Retin-A® (tretinoin) remains one of the most researched and effective prescription treatments available for improving skin texture, reducing signs of aging, and maintaining long-term skin health. While many people know Retin-A® for its role in acne treatment, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists have relied on tretinoin for decades as a cornerstone of medical-grade skin rejuvenation.
At Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery, Dr. Brian Maloney frequently recommends Retin-A® as part of a comprehensive non-surgical skin care regimen. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Maloney understands that maintaining youthful skin requires more than cosmetic procedures alone. Proper daily skin care, including prescription-strength tretinoin and sun protection, can significantly improve skin quality while helping patients preserve the results of other facial rejuvenation treatments.
The outer layer of skin is constantly growing. When we are in our twenties, the skin is growing in a very organized fashion. As we begin to mature, the growth pattern becomes more disorganized leading to pre-cancers and skin cancers. Retin-A helps to restore the orderly growth pattern, thus making our skin not only look better, but it is actually healthier.
How to Use Retin-A Skin Rejuvenation
The skin should be washed and dried. If the skin is wet when the Retin-A is applied it may cause more irritation and peeling. Therefore, waiting for 25-30 minutes after washing is ideal. Retin-A is generally applied in the evening, as it is inactivated by ultraviolet light. A good sunblock/sunscreen is important, as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
90% of patients who use Retin-A will experience the retinoid reaction-dryness, redness, and peeling. One does not have to go through this reaction to achieve the desirable effects of Retin-A. One can mix the Retin-A with equal parts moisturizer (Eucerin or Cetaphil) and apply the mixture to the face, neck and chest. It is important to always apply any facial treatments to all three areas so they match. The neck and chest skin are thinner and often show signs of aging before the face. Apply the mixture every other night, and increase to every night as tolerated. When tolerating every night, gradually decrease the amount of moisturizer until tolerating it at full strength. Some patients may never be able to tolerate full strength Retin-A and may need to always mix it. The neck and chest are generally more delicate and may do best with a mixture. It just depends on the patient. The end goal is to apply enough Retin-A to begin to see changes-spots lightening, skin smoothing, easier makeup application and the skin luminescence (glow) returning. Since the outer layer of the skin turns over about every 4-6 weeks, it is best to evaluate one’s skin every month for some positive change. If none is visible, apply more.
Who Should Not Use Retin-A
Retin-A should be discontinued a few days to one week, depending on one’s skin, prior to waxing or prolonged sun exposure. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Retin-A, as the safety of Retin-A has not been studied in this group.
The Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery understands that your face is the first thing people notice about you. Dr. Maloney and his staff use their experience, compassion, and artistry to provide personalized care and state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery treatments and procedures to the residents of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, the surrounding communities in Georgia, and patients from around the world for optimal health, aesthetics, and patient satisfaction.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Maloney for Skin Rejuvenation?
Effective skin rejuvenation requires more than simply prescribing a product. Dr. Brian Maloney evaluates each patient’s skin quality, sun damage, sensitivity level, and aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation, he understands how prescription skin care products such as Retin-A® work alongside procedures like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, injectable treatments, and facial surgery.
His comprehensive approach helps patients achieve healthier skin while supporting long-term aesthetic results.
Rejuvenate Your Skin in Atlanta, GA
Whether you are interested in improving acne, reducing signs of aging, or creating a long-term skin maintenance program, Dr. Brian Maloney can help determine whether Retin-A® is appropriate for your needs. During your consultation, he will evaluate your skin and recommend a customized treatment plan designed to help you achieve healthier, smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Maloney, call 470.207.1367 today.
