Greetings and thanks for visiting my blog. Read on for more awesome insight into tried-and-true beauty products. Today, I am going to be sharing information about Retinol or Retin-A. Originally indicated for use on acne, it was soon discovered that as a secondary effect, retinol stimulted the production of collagen and cellular turnover. The product that I use is labeled Tretinoin Gel .05% (Tretinoin is retinoic acid or vitamin A acid). What do I use it for? I'm glad you asked. I use Tretinoin gel to help exfoliate my skin and restore collagen loss due to my age (I'm turning 40 this year). My skin has always been uneven, blotchy, and thick. Using the Tretinoin gel a couple of times per week (at night) helps to keep my skin fresh and smooth.
This product is a prescription only product and costs over $150/ tube in the US. However (comma), you can purchase it online from Canada or India for far less. No, it's not illegal! I think. I bought six tubes for $80, but you can buy just a single tube.
As with most prescription medications, there are warnings associated with using this product. The main warning is not to be in direct sunlight while using it. That's because the product is so effective at exfoliating your skin that it leaves you with less mature skin (not raw or anything like that) which in direct sun light is more susceptible to the UVA rays which are the biggest culprits of skin cancer. So, use sun screen!! Also, it can irritate your skin if you use it too often or put too much on. I've gotten it down to a science and use it in cycles for about two days at a time every other week. I always use an SPF of at least 15 in my daily moisturizer. I also have SPF of 15 in my tinted moisturizer/foundation, so I keep my face protected for quick spurts in and out of the sun. Note: I use a much higher broad-spectrum SPF if I'm outside for long periods of time doing yard work or at a sports game, etc...a minimum of 30, but more often a 50SPF.
As a nice perk, it also keeps my face pimple free. After all, it is marketed for acne.
So, in addition to the hydroquinone cream that I use for hyper pigmentation issues, the Tretinoin gel is a nice weapon against early aging from sun damage. It’s worked wonders on the tiny crow’s feet and laugh lines that are creeping into my life.
Thanks again for visiting my blog. Please ask your questions, I’ll be happy to answer them!
Until Next Week,
Smart Cookie
I just started using Regenerist by Olay. Any comments on its effectiveness?
ReplyDeleteK. Smith
Engl 226-87
Yes, all of the products by Olay that I've used (and I've used nearly all of them) are good products. The Regenerist line is especially good, but which product exactly are you using? I've used the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream in the red glass jar. Like any good product, the key is longevity. Keep in mind that moisturizers don't work nearly as good on top of dead skin, so the secret is exfoliation! I always use a good micro-dermabrasion (I use Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel) and a daily scrub cleanser, then my moisturizer. I use retin-a at least once a week too.
DeleteBut to answer your question, Olay is a great product. The Regenerist line is even better. Here's a tip: Often times they will sell a product for two or three different areas (i.e. eyes, face, chest/neck) and it has the same ingredients in it and they're roughly the same price, but the one for eyes is smaller. I will usually get the one for the face or chest and neck because you get a bigger bottle for the same price.
Once you find a product that feels right, smells right, doesn' irritate and the price is right, keep using it religeously. I buy mine on ebay in bulk to get the best price.
As you can see that I could talk about this all day long! I hope I've answered your question.
Ciao, Bella!
I made my boyfriend get some sunscreen for his work and for when he plays soccer. He is already dark as it is and he never burns but just gets darker. I try and use sunblock too but I hate the oil feeling that I get when I put it on.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any suggestions for evening skin tone on your face?
Hey Olivia...there are lots of things that you can do to even skin tone on your face. If you want to avoid drastic measures like facial peels, you left with options like retin-a which exfoliates and promotes new skin or fade creams with hydroquinone that bleach out freckles and other hyperpigmentation. I've never been big on toners that claim to even out skin tone because they usually have alcohol in them and I don't put acohol on my face. So, I really don't know if they're effective.
DeleteGlad you made your boyfriend use sunscreen!
Lydia
You did. I use the scrubber thingy and the Olay dermabrasion at night. I usually don't care about these things, but, sometimes, I have to pay attention!
ReplyDeleteK. Smith
Engl 226-87
Its funny...I went to the dermatologist last week. Just for kicks and grins and to get some free samples of really expensive obagi products. When I say kicks and grins, I mean that I didn't need anything other than to consult with a professional dermatologist about the products that I'm using and to get his opinion. I have seen results from using the microdermabrasion by Olay, but the dermatologist said that they're useless. Right after that, he pushed me towards getting some expensive laser treatments done, which I respectfully decined for now. I believe that some home treatments(not all)do work if you're diligent about doing it. I use that microdermabrasion and act as though I'm getting a mild clinical grade procedure done. So basically, I'm really rubbing that orange grit all around my face in circular motions for a good long time (3 minutes or so) until my face almost stings, then I follow it with that salysilic acid gel stuff. There's no way that it's not exfoliating my face. I know that it works, but I also use it religeously at least twice a week. I can ramble when I talk about beauty products...so just stop reading when you get bored. Ha!
Delete