By Roxanne
Q: An aesthetician told me that acids (Retin-A, prescription retinoids) thin the skin over time and you may actually end up looking *older* from them. Is there any truth to this?
A: I entirely disagree with the topic of acids actually aging the skin. I use both alpha and beta hydroxy acids to treat various skins and the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are crucial in age management. As we mature, the cell turnover rate takes longer so hydroxy acids can assist in speeding up the acceleration process of cell renewal and regrowth. Perhaps the aesthetician who told you this was not using acids in conjunction with the proper complete skin care management.
Moisture is key for all skins and unfortunately as we mature, the skin produces less sebum (oil) as well. The difference between dry and dehydrated skins is that dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lack water. Certain skins may be oily but still dehydrated. It is essential for individuals, especially those using AHAs, to be sure to keep the skin’s proper moisture levels balanced.
Internally you can always increase your water intake to improve your skin’s condition. Topically, you should use a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is the best ingredient to maintain and regulate skin’s moisture and can be taken as an oral supplement as well. Hope this information helps!
Hi, I used tretinoic acid for about 3 days before it sloughed my skin red and raw, and made my eye-area wrinkles worse! It was fine for day 1 and 2 though, and looked great.
What I want to say is that at inappropriate concentrations the acids can wreck havoc. After mixing it with more moisturizer my skin is plumper and better textured!