Tretinoin Beauty Trend for Antiaging: Does it Live up to the Hype?

Guess Who’s Back?

Guess who’s back? No, not Eminem. I mean, yes, he is of course and Houdini is sensational. Ask the Pro Stylist has returned with beauty advice, because like Al Pacino’s famous line in Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” I realize I have sage guidance backed by decades of experience, and when I talk, people listen, even if blogs are almost as extinct as dinosaurs thanks to reels and TikTok. For me, the written word is invaluable and I love to pen my thoughts, so here we are, regardless of how many page views this receives.

Beauty is Deep Within Me

As I switched jobs, I thought my beauty career was finished. But, no beauty is my vocation. It has been a part of my identity since I was a young teen and always will. I understood this sentiment when a coworker asked my advice about shampoo, wanting to know which is best for her new highlights.

I didn’t just offer my recommendations but I also explained the why behind them. Then I thought to myself, beauty knowledge is who I am; it’s my calling. Although I no longer want to work as a stylist, I must stay immersed in the beauty industry I adore while pursuing other endeavors. Therefore, having used tretinoin for three months, I opted for a long overdue beauty review. (Hence, here is my photograph of a tube of tretinoin used.)

TikTok

The algorithms mimic your internet search history, and as I looked for the best products to youthify my aging/sun-damaged skin for my son’s wedding, tretinoin videos flooded my TikTok feed. However, most creators were using filters to sell the cream.

I love filters; utilizing them myself. But more for tongue-in-cheek videos. I also understand the results won’t equal a filter. So, I researched Retin-A and its generic brand, tretinoin,  and found a dermatologist to prescribe it.

Dermatologists are NOT Skin CARE Specialists

Allow a slight rant, please. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in conditions and diseases of skin, hair, and nails. I am not discrediting or discounting their degree by any means. However, a hairstylist, nail technician, or esthetician is the first line of defense. We recommend a medical specialist if we see something that is not right. We not only style, color, and create beautiful designs for hair and nails, but we also help foster youthful skin.

Dermatologists do not have a cosmetology license, nor receive any training in the practice of cosmetology. The doctor I visited to prescribe the tretinoin used a dry paper towel to wipe a masque off my face. A masque to conquer a rash she caused by prescribing an acidic gel to treat rosacea- a condition I do not have, which reacted with the tretinoin, creating a rash and a scab. The answer is yes for readers wondering if I used the creams according to directions. I applied the tretinoin in the evening and used the gel in the morning. I no longer use the gel.

When I asked for Retin-A, she stated she had something better. She prescribed tretinoin, a retinol, the generic or Retin-A derivative. I laughed when I picked up the prescription, and no longer use this doctor.

What is Tretinoin?

In a nutshell, tretinoin is a retinoid that treats acne. The topical medication exfoliates to re-texturize aging or sun-affected skin, creating a smoother surface by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The cream is not available over the counter and must be prescribed.

The removal of dry skin boosts collagen. However, tretinoin can create dry, patchy areas on sensitive skin and I recommend an additional moisturizer. Direct sunlight must be avoided. Wearing a hat and sunglasses in conjunction with sunblock is highly recommended.

For more information on the pros and cons of tretinoin, please visit WebMD.

Skin Care Results

Nothing can erase sun damage and wrinkles. Botox and injectable treatments are temporary. Adding tretinoin to your skin care regimen will help reduce the signs of aging, however, only a permanent fix such as surgery eliminates wrinkles and fights gravity. The best prevention is avoiding the sun, healthy eating, staying hydrated, and never smoking or drinking through a straw. Yes, this includes smoking weed – it is the mouth action that causes wrinkles. Play at your own risk.

Following three months of consistent use, my skin is smoother, softer, and glowing. However, I diligently use serums, moisturizers, and sunblock. I recommend tretinoin and suggest discussing your challenges with a knowledgeable dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Thanks for Stopping By

I hope today’s tretinoin advice offered some beauty guidance. Please return as I continue to evolve. I am currently writing an interesting novel, so stay tuned for details.

Do you want to work in the beauty field? Purchase my book, The Future Professional’s Guide to Cosmetology. Hopefully, it will answer your questions regarding a beautiful career. If you have a question regarding cosmetology or beauty careers, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com.  Until then, happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission and consent.

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