A Ret Gel 0.1% Before and After Photos: How Do You Know it Will Work for Your Skin?
Word on the street is: A Ret Gel 0.1% is a supercharged skincare active with loads of benefits. A Ret Gel 0.1% smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Complexion becomes more even. Skin becomes smooth and supple. Pores visibly shrink. And you can kiss blackheads and breakouts goodbye. These superpowers make tretinoin worthy of a spot in your skincare routine.
But let’s back up a sec. What is tretinoin, anyway? Tretinoin is a topical retinoid (a form of vitamin A) and the more potent cousin of over-the-counter retinol. It’s 20 times more potent than retinol and has over 50 years of research to back up its safety and efficacy. Plus, tretinoin is the only FDA-approved retinoid for photoaging (aka signs of accelerated skin aging like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores due to repeated sun exposure).
So how do you know you’ll get results? We asked a few Dear Brightly members to share their before and after photos using Night Shift, a dermatologist-formulated topical tretinoin serum tailored to your skin by doctors online, so you can decide if tretinoin is right for you.
We’ll also share our top tips to make sure you reach your skin goals with tretinoin.
A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel is prescribed to patients with severe acne problems, photodamaged skin and even some skin cancers. This medication is also known as all-trans retinoic acid and belongs to the group known as retinoids.
This drug, taken in the form of cream or ointment, effectively treats acne. It also reduces the number of pimples that tend to develop, while healing pimples that have already developed on the body. The drug affects skin cell growth in the body regulating the number of pimples that crop up.
This medication should be cautiously used in eczema patients. Excessive exposure to sunlight must be avoided. Also, ensure that it does not get into the eyes. If it does rinse your eyes with water until the irritation stops. If irritation persists call your doctor and seek further advice.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Tretinoin minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen — a protein that provides a supple support network for your skin. Collagen production drops by about 1% every year after the age of 20, contributing to skin aging.
One study showed tretinoin to increase collagen in the skin by up to 80% over 10 to 12 months of nightly use.
For this Dear Brightly member treating fine lines and wrinkles, skin appears more plump and smooth using Night Shift:
Uneven skin tone
Tretinoin evens skin pigmentation by dispersing melanin granules. Melanin is a natural pigment that contributes to skin, hair, and eye color. When overproduced, it creates flat brown spots or patches on your skin that are darker than your usual complexion.
Uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation, can be due to sun damage, age, hormonal changes, medications, and skin injury (like from acne scars or cuts).
In one clinical study with Black patients, tretinoin was effective in treating uneven skin tone with minimal overall lightening. A trial with Chinese and Japanese patients also proved to be successful. And a study that showed tretinoin’s effectiveness with white patients also noted long-term effects: in the six-month follow-up after stopping treatment, dark spots had not returned.
Check out this Dear Brightly member who used Night Shift for uneven skin tone.
After three months, skin is already looking brighter and more even:
Large pores
Enlarged facial pores happen when oil, dirt, and dead skin cells build up in pores, making them look larger. Tretinoin minimizes pore appearance by increasing cell turnover and boosting exfoliation, which clears debris in the pores and allows pores to shrink back to their normal size.
For enlarged pores, Night Shift helped this member achieve smoother skin and minimized pores:
Rough skin
When dead skin cells linger, they can cause skin to feel dry and rough. Tretinoin works as a gentle chemical exfoliant, making skin smoother by shuttling dead skin cells out of pores.
Tretinoin also increases glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is an essential molecule for skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity. So skin looks and feels smoother.
Here’s one member’s 6-month checkpoint on her journey to smoother skin. On the right, her skin is dewier, and her skin tone appears more even with tretinoin’s accelerated cell turnover:
Acne
There are two primary categories of acne—inflammatory and noninflammatory. Tretinoin can help with both kinds, but depending on your individual case, your dermatologist might recommend a regimen that combines multiple solutions.
Noninflammatory acne, also called comedonal acne, include your typical blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads and whiteheads occur when dead skin cells get trapped in the pores, halting the natural flow of oil out of the skin and causing a buildup. Inflammatory acne is also a result of clogged pores, but in addition to oil and dead skin cells, bacteria get stuck in the pores too. This can cause red, inflamed pimples that are painful to the touch.
Tretinoin helps clear both kinds of acne by gently exfoliating the buildup in pores. Plus, it creates a less welcoming environment for acne-causing bacteria. Using tretinoin as part of your regular skincare routine can help keep acne at bay with faster cell turnover and exfoliation.
Depending on your case, your dermatologist may also recommend using an antibacterial for inflammatory acne. Work with your dermatologist to develop the most effective acne treatment for your skin.
As early as a few weeks, this member saw noticeable improvement in the number and size of pimples. This is her after four months with additional improvements in uneven skin tone:
What can I expect when I start using tretinoin?
As with any effective skincare treatment, results take time, and there can be side effects along the way. But on the other side is smoother, healthier skin.
How long does it take for tretinoin to work?
With nightly tretinoin use, most people start seeing results around six weeks. If you use it every two or three days, you may start seeing results after about ten weeks. If used weekly, it could take up to three months. Every person’s skin is unique though, and results may vary.
What are the side effects of using tretinoin?
In the first couple of weeks, you might experience temporary skin irritation, like peeling, dryness, flaking, or sensitivity, as your skin gets used to your new serum. If you’re prone to acne, you might experience purging, which is when existing acne buildup surfaces faster due to increased cell turnover.
All these side effects are temporary and can be minimized with proper care.
How do you start using tretinoin while minimizing side effects?
To get the most out of your tretinoin serum, you want to introduce it properly to your skin—giving your skin a chance to adapt and providing the protection it needs. Follow these tips to minimize the side effects of starting a tretinoin treatment.
- Start slow with a low concentration. When starting any new active ingredient, it can take skin time to get used to new skincare products. If you’re new to tretinoin, start with a low-concentration formula every third night. Build up to nightly as tolerated and from there, increase the percentage of tretinoin to one that’s ideal for your skin and skin goals. Most people find they can increase the frequency at the four- to six-week mark.
Keep in mind that a higher concentration of tretinoin isn’t always better. You want the right balance of potency and tolerability. Too high and your skin can be irritated. A low concentration just means it’ll take longer to see results. Your dermatologist can help you determine the right concentration of tretinoin for your skin and a ramp up from a lower to higher strength may be appropriate for you. - Use a pea-sized amount. This is plenty of product to have an effect. More than that and you’ll just irritate the skin.
- Protect the skin with moisturizer and sunscreen. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lana Kashlan, “The most important thing with tretinoin use is to make sure that you’re using lots of moisturizer and lots of sun protection during the daytime to make sure that you’re protecting the skin and also not irritating the skin too much.”
While it’s best to use sunscreen every day anyway, your skin will be more sensitive as it gets used to tretinoin. It’s a good idea to use tretinoin at night to reduce sun sensitivity during the day. A good moisturizer applied morning and night will counteract dry skin and protect the skin barrier. Feel free to use additional moisturizer during the day if needed.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare—it’s super personal! It might take time to find the right formulation and frequency for your skin, and you might see results at a different time than someone else.
As you experiment, keep listening to your skin. It knows best. Slow down or pause treatment if your skin becomes irritated. And talk to your dermatologist about any concerns you have. They’ll be able to help you adjust your treatment plan.
Supercharge your skincare routine with a tailored tretinoin serum
Until now, you could only get tretinoin by going to a dermatologist for an in-person consult—costing time and money. But getting a prescription-grade retinoid shouldn’t be a hassle or have surprise costs. We’ve made it easier than ever to get tretinoin from the comfort of your home with an online doctor’s consult.
Night Shift is a dermatologist-formulated tretinoin serum tailored to your skin by doctors online. It contains hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and combat dryness, which helps minimize the side effects of starting retinoids.
Start by sharing your skin story. Then, a doctor will evaluate your skin and skin history. They’ll tailor your formula and write a prescription, if applicable. Your tailored tretinoin serum will be delivered to you in the mail. It’s as simple as that!
New to retinoids or have sensitive skin? Your provider may start you on a lower-strength serum to give your skin time to adjust before increasing to the full strength that is ideal for your skin.
What are the side effects of A Ret Gel 0.1%
A patient can suffer from the following side effects:
- Skin Irritation
- Burning Or Tingling Sensation Of Skin
- Red Spots On Skin
- Peeling And Blistering Of Skin
- Patchy Appearance Of Skin
- Erythema
- Hyperpigmentation
- Photosensitivity
Key highlights of A Ret Gel 0.1%
- How long is the duration of effect?The time duration for which this medicine remains effective is not clinically established.
- What is the onset of action?The effect of this medicine can be observed within 2-4 weeks of topical application.
- Are there any pregnancy warnings?Use of this medicine by pregnant women is not recommended.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Are there any breast-feeding warnings?This medicine is not recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding.
- Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?No interaction found or established.
- Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?No interaction found or established.
- Does this affect kidney function?No interaction found or established.
- Does this affect liver function?No interaction found or established.
What are the substitutes for A Ret Gel 0.1%?
Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel , and hence can be used as its substitute.
- Tretiheal Cream HEALING PHARMA
- Retino A Micro 0.1% W/W Gel Johnson & Johnson Ltd
What are the interactions of A Ret Gel 0.1%?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you”re at risk of a drug interaction.
- Interaction with AlcoholInteraction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Interaction with MedicineBenzoyl Peroxide (Topical)Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.Salicylic acid (Topical)Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Interaction with DiseaseEczemaThis medicine should not be used if you are taking medicine for eczema or suffer from a skin abrasion.SunburnUse of this medicine on the sunburnt skin should be avoided. Your doctor may prescribe an alternate medicine that is better tolerated.
- Interaction with FoodAvoid excessive intake of vitamin A.
How does this medication work?
This medication works by binding to alpha, beta, and gamma retinoic acid receptors (RARs) thus activating them. This produces changes in the gene expression that leads to decreased cell multiplication, inhibition of tumorigenesis and cell differentiation.
FAQs about A Ret Gel 0.1%?
Ques: What is A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel?
Ans: This medication is also known as all-trans retinoic acid. The group of medicines that the drug belongs to is known as retinoids. It is prescribed to patients with severe acne problems and some types of skin cancer.
Ques: How long do I need to use A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans: This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques: At what frequency do I need to use A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel?
Ans: This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques: Should I use A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans: This medication should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques: What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel?
Ans: This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
Ques: Is it safe to use A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel?
Ans: Yes, it is completely safe to use this drug when taken as advised by your doctor.
Ques: How long am I supposed to use A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel?
Ans: It is advised to take this medication as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you.
Ques: I am taking A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel. What should I do if I am planning to become pregnant?
Ans: Immediately take medical help if you are planning to become pregnant while being on this drug.
Ques: Why does A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel cause dry skin, dry lips and dry nose?
Ans: Dryness of skin, nose and lips are some of the common side effects of this medication. A-Ret 0.1% W/W Gel reduces the secretion of oil which results in skin dryness. Apply lip balm to relieve cracked and dry lips. You are also advised to consume enough water to keep our body hydrated.
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