Retinol has emerged as the gold–standard in anti-ageing skin care, revolutionising the way we maintain a youthful complexion.
The prescription version of the treatment, known as tretinoin, has particularly gained recognition for its effectiveness.
It targets an array of concerns including wrinkles, skin pigmentation and acne, resulting in younger skin.
The product achieves these results thanks to a vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen levels and helps maintain skin elasticity.
Robyn claims tretinoin revolutionised her skin
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It has enjoyed popularity among thousands of mature women, including Robyn Ann Hampton, who discussed how to use the product on her TikTok channel.
“One of the best things I have ever done for my skin and have continued to do for over nine years is use a retin-A or tretinoin," Robyn said.
“I started out almost 10 years ago using it once a week, using a pea-sized amount and rubbing it in.
“Probably after about six months, people are going to be saying, gosh ‘your skin looks different, what are doing?’”
The product typically comes in 0.025 per cent, 0.05 per cent and 0.1 per cent strengths, with most doctors prescribing a low strength initially.
They may offer patients a higher strength further down the line, but it can take a few months for the skin to adapt.
“Tretinoin and Retin-A are simply game-changers," Robyn reiterated. "When people ask me ‘What do you do’, [it's] tretinoin."
The skin care fan urges anyone using tretinoin to use sunscreen with it, as sensitivity to the sun will be heightened.
Experts at Holland and Barrett echo this advice, writing: “It should go without saying that you should be using an SPF of at least 30 every day, all year round.
“This is always crucial, but it’s particularly important if you’re using retinol and it leaves your skin more susceptible to UV rays.”
What does the science say?
Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated tretinoin's effectiveness in treating skin ageing.
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It's never too late to start using retinol
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A study published in the Britain Journal of Dermatology found that tretinoin produced significant improvements in fine wrinkling near the eyes, and crease lines around the mouth and cheeks.
Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, observed noticeable improvements in skin ageing over just 16 weeks of tretinoin use.
The findings highlighted the prescription cream's ability to address multiple signs of ageing simultaneously.
The findings suggest that tretinoin offers a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation that surpasses many conventional treatments.
