Today more than ever with the prevalence of Photoshop, Instagram, Snapchat filters and an “on fleek” generation, it can be extremely easy to feel like an outsider. So many of us have a daily battle with our skin and have all but surrendered to the dermatological war. If you are someone who has tried everything from prescriptions to DIY home remedies and are yet to find a solution, guess what? Today’s edition of Under The Dryer has the answer!

Your skin is something everybody sees, particularly your face. Regardless of how tempting it may be, shying away from places and people or hiding under your favourite foundation is not the way to go. Believe it or not, there is a much better solution to defeating your unwanted guests and revealing smooth, clear and healthy skin!

Retin-A!

Retin-A is a product that has been on the market as a prescription-based topical acne treatment for decades. This best-kept secret is also known as tretinoin and has been described as a miracle cream for hyperpigmentation, acne and wrinkles! It accelerates the skin cell turnover rate to slough off surface imperfections and to reveal a younger and clearer complexion.

Retin-A is available in cream, gel, liquid and micro formulations. Its common to find the product in three different concentrations of tretinoin (0.1 per cent, 0.05 per cent and 0.025 per cent). The expectation is that the concentration you use may be dependent on the severity of your condition or the location. In addition to the face, Retin-A is often used as an acne treatment for the back. Ultimately, the form of Retin-A you use will be decided by your dermatologist.

Retin-A micro consists of the same properties as the other formulations of Retin-A. The main difference the mode of delivery. With Retin-A micro the medication is time-released into the skin and is said to be less irritating.

Of course, despite how intriguing a product may be, the pros are always accompanied by cons. Let’s take a look!

Pros

1) Improvement in the texture of skin in addition to reduction of breakouts and blemishes

2) A decrease in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

3) A reduction in the size of pores

4) Improvement of pigmentation marks

5) Reduction in oil production

6) A healthy glow

Cons

1) Slight flaking of the skin

2) Initial breakout period

3) Initial sensitivity to the sun

4) Additional products/procedures may be necessary to get the results you desire.

When considering the similarities and differences between products. as well as the pros and cons, selecting the perfect version for your skin may seem a bit tricky but, no worries, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s what a professional has to say.

Meet Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers, Dermatologist

Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers confirms that Retin-A is a brand of tretinoin (derived from Vitamin A) available in gel, cream, micro-gel and liquid preparations. She also points out that there are other brands of tretinoin available, like Stieva-A, Renova, Altinac and Avita, to name a few.

She continues, “The gels are more suitable for very oily skin types because they are less likely to clog pores and have better penetration of the skin. However, they tend to cause more dryness, redness, burning and irritation and so are not ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. Creams are generally better for these skin types since they are less irritating than gels. Micro-gel preparations are released more slowly into the skin after they are put on, and so tend to be less irritating than regular gel preparations. Liquid preparations of Retin-A are more practical for larger areas of the body like the back. Caution should be taken to avoid using these products in sensitive areas of the face like in the creases around the nose, around the lips and eyes.”

Dr Campbell-Chambers therefore recommends users to use Retin-A at night only and to use broad-spectrum sunscreens of at least SPF 30, ensuring to reapply every few hours. She explains, “Retin-A can cause an increased risk of sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and so can cause an increased risk of sunburn.”

Dr Campbell-Chambers gives some candid advice, “No matter what condition your skin is in, avoid getting depressed about it. You are much more than bumps and spots! You can’t change what people may say to you about your skin, but you can determine how it affects you.”

If you are interested in working towards smoother and healthier skin, you can visit Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers, dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Solutions Skin, Body & Mind Clinic and Institute. For further information you can go to her website www.mydermatologysolutions.com or call (876) 979-0414 / 378-8740.

The wrap-up

At the end of the day, skincare does not have to be daunting. Simply do your research and reach out to a professional who can assist you to work towards the results your skin deserves.