With all of the skin care options, it's sometimes hard to understand what you really should be putting on your skin. While primarily this is dependent upon your skincare goals, there is one skin care product that we especially feel you should look into and begin utilizing:

What can Retinoids do for us?

  • COMBATS SKIN AGING!!!!!!!!
  • Prevents buildup of dead/old skin cells in your follicles and pores
  • Promotes growth of new and healthy skin cells
  •  Encourages exfoliation of dead skin cells
  •  Reduces acne
  •  Reduces acne scarring
  •  Reduces stretch marks
  • Sheds dying cells more rapidly
  • Existing acne is cleared more quickly
  • Reduction of fine lines

What is the difference between Retin-A and Retinol?

Both Retin-A and Retinol are Retinoids. Retinoids are made from Vitamin A and promote faster skin cell turn over which helps your skin to have a more youthful and healthy appearance.

***Many dermatologists note that if you are to incorporate one specific product, you should make it a retinoid (Retin-A or Retinol) in order to help with anti-aging. ***

Retinol is the less potent of the retinoids and can typically be found over the counter without a prescription. This is a great place to start if you are beginning to incorporate a retinoid into your skin care regimen, as it is the weaker of the two. Retinol is a natural derivative of Vitamin A (found naturally in the body). Because it is weaker than Retin-A, some clients will utilize this option if Retin-A is reacting too harshly with their skin.

Retinols will come in a range of potency and your Renu Laser Skin Care Specialist can help introduce you to the retinol strength that is correct for your skin care goals.

Retin-A is the more potent option of the two and is available by prescription only. We have Retin-A available to our clients here at Renu Laser and Skin Care, should this be the correct product for you. Many dermatologists consider Retin-A the 'Gold Standard ingredient in anti-aging'. Any client concerned about keeping their skin healthy and youthful should be incorporating this product into their skin care regimen.

Here at Renu we have many different forms and potencies of Retin-A available to our clients. Your skin care specialist can help you understand which Retin-A is best for your skin care goals.

TIPS and TRICKS to utilizing Retinol or Retin-A:

~ Remember to apply the product to your face, as well as your neck and chest (in addition to any other areas you wish to correct). By applying the product to all three areas, it will help promote skin cell turnover and growth of new healthy cells to all areas, not just your face, keeping everything looking healthy and youthful.

~ While first introducing the product, Retin-A or Retinol may cause a few side effects (dryness, redness, skin peeling). The best way to combat these side effects, and stay on track to your desired results, is to apply the product every other day, or less, if needed. It will take time for your skin to acclimate to the product, and therefore you may not put it on every day, at first. Your Renu Skin Care specialist will help you to understand the best frequency of usage based on your goals. These side-effects should resolve in a few weeks and you should see improvements in your skin after finding the frequency that is correct for you, and then working your way into utilizing the product every day.

~ Because you are promoting the exfoliation of dead skin cells and promoting growth of new, you may experience photo (light/sun) sensitivity. It is important while using a Retinoid (and always) to apply a sunscreen to your skin to prevent burning.

~ If you are having any skin care procedures completed, you may need to temporarily discontinue the product, e.g. laser procedures or chemical peel procedures. This can be discussed with your Renu Skin Care Provider prior to your appointment. It is important to always indicate you are utilizing a retinoid before any new skin procedure as to avoid any undesired reactions.

~ Make an appointment today here at Renu Laser and Skin Care to start incorporating this wonderful product into your skin care regimen and to begin the process to more youthful and healthy skin!!!