Skin & Me: A Closer Look at The Active Ingredients: Tretinoin
I’ve only recently understood what products my skin needs. I've been fortunate enough not to struggle with acne, and my breakouts are rare - usually triggered by hormones, makeup, or diet. Over time, I've experimented with various ‘trendy’ serums in pursuit of that sought-after plump, glowing complexion. But as time went on, I realised I needed more than just surface-level results; I wanted something that could genuinely enhance my skin’s health.
Discovering Skin & Me
This search led me to Skin & Me, a brand that immediately caught my attention with its unique approach. The idea of having professionals tailor a skincare solution specifically for my needs felt both empowering and reassuring.
Skin & Me offers a product called the 'Daily Doser,' which is a personalised product just for you. The process begins with an in-depth health check where you answer detailed questions about your skin, lifestyle, and even exercise habits. Based on your responses, they prescribe a customized formula. My personalized formula included three active ingredients: Tretinoin, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid.
Understanding the Active Ingredients: A Focus on Tretinoin.
Among the active ingredients in my Daily Doser, Tretinoin particularly stood out. Tretinoin, a derivative of Vitamin A, is well-known for its powerful effects on skin health. It's primarily used to treat acne and is also FDA-approved for addressing signs of aging, such as fine facial wrinkles, rough skin, and uneven pigmentation.
Tretinoin is claimed to help skin cells renew themselves more effectively and to stimulate the production of new collagen, which is crucial for maintaining the skin’s structure and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage [1].
How Does This Miracle Ingredient Work?
Based on current knowledge, Tretinoin binds to specific receptors in the skin known as retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). This binding helps to block inflammatory processes and increases the production of procollagen, which is then converted into collagen types I and III. These types of collagen are vital for keeping the skin firm and smooth.
Tretinoin also plays a key role in treating acne. It prevents the abnormal build-up of cells that can clog pores, promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, and increases the rate at which new skin cells are produced. This process helps keep pores clear and improves overall skin texture, reducing the formation of acne [4].
The Science Behind Tretinoin: Clinical Trials
The benefits of Tretinoin aren’t just anecdotal—they’re backed by science. Studies have shown that topical Tretinoin can significantly thicken the skin. One study found that Tretinoin increased skin thickness by 24 to 40%, compared to just 2 to 14% with a placebo [2].
Another trial investigated whether collagen synthesis in sun-damaged skin could be restored with Tretinoin treatment. The study revealed an 80% increase in collagen I formation with Tretinoin, compared to a 14% decrease when using a placebo. This suggests that Tretinoin can partly reverse the loss of collagen caused by sun damage, making it a powerful tool in combating the effects of aging [3].
Maya’s Experience with Tretinoin
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting tretinoin, as starting with it can be a bit of an adjustment. During the first few weeks, you might experience some dryness, redness, or peeling. This is commonly referred to as the “retinoid uglies.” This is a normal part of the process.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the initial phase:
Ease Into It with Skin + Me’s Daily Doser - The Daily Doser is designed to make your Tretinoin journey stress-free. It dispenses the exact dose you need with a simple twist and click. Skin + Me starts you on a lower dose of Tretinoin, gradually increasing it in your next month’s Daily Doser to help your skin adjust smoothly, this made the whole process so much easier in my opinion!
Moisturise! - About 10 minutes after applying Tretinoin, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin well-hydrated. This will help minimize dryness and irritation.
Always Use Sun Protection - Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is essential to protect your skin.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is not an advertisement for Skin & Me, but rather an exploration of the benefits of tretinoin in skincare. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new skincare regimen, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions or are using other medications. The results of using tretinoin can vary from person to person, and it is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to achieve the best results while minimizing potential side effects.
Sources:
[1] Sitohang, I.B. et al. (2022) ‘Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials’, International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 8(1). doi:10.1097/jw9.0000000000000003.
[2] Noble, S. and Wagstaff, A.J. (1995) ‘Tretinoin’, Drugs & Aging, 6(6), pp. 479–496. doi:10.2165/00002512-199506060-00008.
[3] Griffiths, C. et al. (1993) ‘Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)’, New England Journal of Medicine, 329(8), pp. 530–535. doi:10.1056/nejm199308193290803.
[4] Yoham AL, Casadesus D. Tretinoin. [Updated 2023 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
