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The information provided on this page and the website is informational only and should not be considered professional medical advice. The services or products discussed may not be appropriate for your skin type or condition or you could have an adverse reaction.



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Ingredient Deep Dive: Vitamin A

Dirty Little Secret for Being over 40: Retinol. Use an OTC Vitamin A product as consistently as your skin will let you. The only indication where I write for prescription retinoids is when patients have acne vulgaris. However, in all my years of practice I have learned that patients have trouble being super compliant with strong Rx-strength formulations. The retinization process of starting one is daunting; the sun-sensitivity of continuing with one is also problematic. Over the counter formulations are the best place to start getting your toes wet with retinol. Remember Vitamin A is where anti-acne and anti-aging collide. These formulations of retinol have bells and whistles that prescription strength retinoids lack. For instance, Biopelle KNR has kojic acid and niacinamide, two additional actives to help clear pigment in the skin. Neova's Intense Retinol Spray has both AHA/BHA in it for additional oil control. Alastin's 0.5 Retinol is by far the easiest retinol out there to be compliant with because it is so damn hydrating with its mushroom and oat extracts. I have curated for products that you'll actually want to use nightly, if not 365 nights a year. That achievable compliancy is when results shine though the fastest.

The Ingredient Deep Dive: Vitamin A Routine

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Ingredient Deep Dive: Vitamin A

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