Retin-A
What is it?
Retin-A is the trade name for
retinoic acid. The topical form of this synthetic
derivative of vitamin A is not to be confused with
vitamin A which is taken by mouth. Topical Retin-A
was developed in the late 1960's and is used for
external application only.
How was Retin-A Discovered?
In the late 1960's Retin-A was used
as an acne drug to cause exfoliation (peeling) of
the skin. This reduced oiliness of the skin and
thereby decreased the clinical effects of acne. More
recently it was studied further, when patients using
vitamin A topically were noted to have fewer
wrinkles. This has lead to the current use of Retin
A to revitalize aging and sun damaged skin.
What Happens as Skin Ages?
With aging there is decreased
activity and disorganization of basal cells in the
deeper layer of the skin. This results in thinning
and wrinkling of the epidermis, or upper layer of
the skin. Because of decreased shedding of the dead
skin cells that normally occurs as new cells form
from below, the layer of old cells on the skin's
surface thickens, causing it to become a coarser
texture.
Collagen is the structural protein found in the dermis which gives strength to the skin. It becomes depleted and disorganized, causing skin wrinkling. With sun exposure there is increased activity of the melanocytes in the deeper dermis. These cells produce melanin, which gives the skin color, and therfore leads to the development of freckles, sun spots and darkening moles.
How does Retin A Work?
When Retin A is applied to the skin
it penetrates to the deeper layers of the dermis.
The following changes are seen:
There is an increased activity of the basal cells which causes an increase in their number and improvement in their shape and organization. This leads to a thicker, more level skin surface with less wrinkling.
With this increase in new cell production there is less clumping of old cells on the skin's surface, this further improving the texture and smoothness of the skin.
In the dermis, there is increased production and improved organization of new collagen fibers. This leads to thicker, more supple and les wrinkled skin.
Blood vessel growth is stimulated, this leading to better circulation. This might also account for the slight blush or pinkness which is often seen wit the use of vitamin A.
The melanin pigment of the skin tends to be disbursed faster, moving upwards and outwards as a result of the increased rate of cell turnover. This leads to less prominent and fewer freckles, sun spots and bothiness.
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