Tretinoin swept the market. His PR. They are selling it. They are buying it. Everyone writes about its magical anti-aging properties. At the heart of such popularity is the replicated announcement of tretinoin as an incredibly effective anti-aging agent belonging to the retinoid family. Is it true or is tretinoin just experiencing the peak of the same popularity as other wonder ingredients? We all remember how vitamin C, then hyaluronic acid, then copper peptides were prescribed as anti-aging drugs.


Everything passed and it will pass?





Let's immediately bring to the surface the main thing, for which everyone suffers harmful tretinoin, what attracts us to this tool as an anti age method:


“Tretinoin increases the number of basal cells that form the basis of the epidermis and which, unfortunately, die off with age. That is, as it smoothes the skin from the inside. Stimulating the growth of basal cells renews the skin and promotes the growth of young, healthy cells. The surface layers of the skin are actively exfoliated. Tretinoin also blocks the effects of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. ”

This or similar description of tretinoin is found everywhere.

In fact, they promise that the magic cream will grow new skin for us.


I must say that I used Obagi 0.05 tretinoin, purchased from an official representative in the UK (I took an exfoliant on acids from them too) to avoid subsequent suspicions about the quality of the cream. Before use, I reviewed all those who described this procedure from their own experience. She compiled her routine and carefully set off on a campaign for the new skin that tretinoin promises. At the beginning of use, the skin got off like everyone else, but there was no drama, a concentration of 0.5 was perfect for me.


Results after 4 months (January - April).


At first I liked it.

The skin was quickly updated due to the peeling effect. Then, closer to the end of the tube, directly above the upper lip in the recess, that is, where a checkmark has formed a darkening. Although I can’t say that I applied tretinoin to this place, apparently the substance is quite volatile.. Why it was a nuisance it’s not difficult to guess - the sunscreen erases when drinking and even just when talking. I didn’t skimp on the protection - I carried the tube in my bag and used it constantly (this alone brings down the tretinoin from the pedestal - you have to live somehow).


It is important to note that I live in London, and not in Miami. But, nevertheless, got a spot.


Alas..


Then a strange seal the size of 1/3 drop came out on my forehead, and it lasted for quite some time. By this moment vague doubts tormented me. Anyway, I just felt sorry for my face. The whole process of getting used to - weaning, interacting with other cosmetics, skin peeling, etc. is not worth the result. At some point, I quit my routine. The skin instantly returned to its position. That is, it became the same as it was before using the magic cream, only a plus (which is a minus) spot and a seal on the forehead. I admit, it seemed to me that it was getting worse and I, thinking that I had to finish the job, resumed application.


On the way out: the skin did not get better. I didn’t notice either lifting or elasticity, but I came for them. Received pigmentation.