Constantly I am asked in Wilston cosmetic clinic about Retin A and Retinol for acne and antiageing. I will often explain what the differences are between the two products. There are a number of posts I have supplied on my blog explaining about Retin-A and Retinol, today, I am exploring Tretinoin which is a form of Retin A.
Topical tretinoin is a generic form of acne medication Retin-A. Tretinoin can be purchased with a prescription from a Doctor or at a medical cosmetic clinic.
Typically, topical tretinoin is both a short-term solution and long-term treatment option for clearing up active breakouts. It’s used for hard-to-clear acne blemishes on your skin.
Tretinoin is effective for many people, but it’s not for everyone. Keep reading to find out what you should know before trying tretinoin for your acne.
Tretinoin is a retinoid, meaning it’s a form of vitamin A. Retinoids stimulate cell turnover on your skin. Dead skin cells are cleared off your skin more quickly as new skin cells rise to the surface. Quicker cell turnover opens your pores, releasing trapped bacteria or irritants that are causing your acne.
Retinoids like tretinoin also help your skin to regulate its natural oil (sebum) production, which can prevent future breakouts. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that clear up active acne pustules.
Tretinoin for wrinkles
Tretinoin has been studied extensively for its impact on the visible signs of aging. Tretinoin cream has demonstrated both short-term and long-term effects on the appearances of wrinkles, that’s why tretinoin is a popular ingredient in many over-the-counter face and eye creams albeit in much lower doses.
Tretinoin for acne scars
Tretinoin can also be used to decrease the appearance of acne scarring. Since tretinoin speeds up cell turnover on your skin, it can encourage new cell growth at the site of scarring.
Tretinoin in several forms has been tested successfully as an effective way to treat acne scars. Tretinoin is also sometimes used to prep skin for chemical peel treatments that target scarring.
Using tretinoin for acne can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience all of the side effects, and some may be more severe than others. Possible side effects include:
burning or itching skin
peeling or redness on your skin
unusual dryness of your skin
skin that feels warm to the touch
skin that turns a lighter color at the site of application
It can take up to 12 weeks to see results from using tretinoin. If your skin seems irritated by using it, check with a medical professional to see if symptoms are within the range of what’s normal for tretinoin.
If, after 8 to 12 weeks, you don’t see any improvement in your skin, speak with a medical professional. Tretinoin is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When you’re using tretinoin, be extra careful about your exposure to the sun and ensure you wear sunscreen whenever you’re going outside. Also additional preventative measures like wearing a hat with a broad brim.
It’s extremely rare but possible to overdose on tretinoin. Overdoses are more likely to occur in prescription-strength forms of this medication (such as Retin-A). Signs of an overdose include having trouble breathing or losing consciousness.
If you feel like you’re having an allergic reaction or experiencing serious side effects from tretinoin, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
Drug interactions
Other topical acne medications can interact with tretinoin and irritate your skin or aggravate side effects like burning on your skin. Unless they’re part of a plan you’ve discussed with your medical professional, avoid using other topical skin treatments (such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and products containing sulfur) while using tretinoin. Also, avoid products that dry your skin, such as astringents and cleansers that contain alcohol.
Notably, tretinoin concentrations less than 0.01% are largely ineffective in the treatment of photodamaged skin (16-18). Topical application of other retinoids, such as isotretinoin and retinol also lead to clinical improvements, again with less skin irritation and after a much longer exposure time than tretinoin (19).
If you want to use tretinoin to treat acne, start by choosing a cream or gel that has a low amount (0.1 percent) of the active ingredient tretinoin. If needed, you can work up to higher amounts as your skin becomes accustomed to the treatment.
To apply tretinoin safely and effectively:
Clean your skin with warm water and pat dry before using any topical acne medication. Wash your hands before applying any cream or lotion to your face. Wait a few minutes to make sure your skin is completely dry before you use the medication.
Apply just enough of the medication to lightly cover the affected area. You don’t need to build a thick layer of the medication on your face. A dime-size amount of the medication should be enough to spread across your whole face.
Using the tips of your fingers, spread the medication away from sensitive areas such as your eyes, your nostrils, and your lips. Rub the cream or gel in to your face lightly and let it absorb completely.
For best results, apply tretinoin once at bedtime so that it can absorb completely into your skin while you sleep. It’s best not to apply makeup in the hours immediately following this treatment.
Medical Acne Skin care available with Cosmetic Nurse Jo Wilson (pictured with Advanced Esthetician + owner of Phytomer Le Spa Shelley Veitch) Wilston Brisbane, Qld, Australia
What is the difference between Retinol and Tretinoin | Cosmetic Nurse Blog
What is the difference between retinol and tretinoin (Retin A)?
It is important to first distinguish what these products are: Retin A is the popular brand name for the drug, tretinoin. Many people use the name Retin A when referring to any type of tretinoin. (Similar to the interchangeable use of the words “Kleenex” and “facial tissues.”) Tretinoin is an Rx product and can only be purchased from, or prescribed by, a Doctor; it is a prescription medication thereby prescription strength. Retinol is the over-the-counter, cosmetic version of tretinoin. It can be purchased from department stores, pharmacies, etc. Retinols provide an option for patients/businesses that do not have the medical credentials necessary in prescribing/dispensing tretinoins.
Many people confuse retinol with tretinoin.
Retinol and retinoic acid are related but distinctly different. Retinols first need to be converted by special enzymes into the active metabolite, retinoic acid. Only retinoic acid directly affects skin cells and helps reduce signs of aging. Tretinoin is retinoic acid and does not need to go through this conversion.
In theory, one should be able to apply retinol to the skin, wait till it gets converted to retinoic acid, and eventually get the known skin benefits of the latter. In reality, the conversion rate is low and varies greatly among individuals. Additionally, when exposed to air either during storage or use, much retinol may get oxidized or degraded even before it can become available for conversion to retinoic acid in the skin. As a result, fewer people respond to most retinol creams than to retinoic acid (tretinoin, Retin A), and the degree of response tends to be less too.
It is true that retinol products tend to have fewer side effects than retinoic acid (tretinoin, Retin A). The reason is the same: lower biological activity of retinol due to slow conversion and, possibly, degradation. However, many high concentrations of retinol can be almost as irritating to the skin as retinoic acid. Various brands have developed high-strength retinol formulas that are more effective than run-of-the-mill retinol products. However, when trying to create a more rapid and more substantial change in patient skin, tretinoin is the form of retinoic acid that is going to provide a more significant change. Further, tretinoin is ONLY available through a physician/medical practice versus more readily – and easily available – retinol products.
Bottom line
Retinoic acid a.k.a. tretinoin (sold as Retin A, Renova, and other brands) appears to provide a better shot at eliminating fine lines and reducing wrinkles than even the best retinol formulations. Tretinoin users who experience skin irritation and/or chronic peeling can work to eliminate these side effects by reducing the concentration and/or frequency of application while still experiencing the benefits of this Rx strength formulation versus the less effective, cosmetic strength of retinol.
In our cosmetic clinic in Hamilton, you will find our range of Medical Skincare. Real science minus the hype. Beautiful effective and affordable Australian-made medical skincare without any hidden nasties. A skincare range approved by our team of cosmetic doctors are nurses that deliver great value and even better results.
To purchase our Retin-A formulation come into the clinic:
12/71 Racecourse Road, Hamilton Queensland 4007
Postal Orders: Email: nursejowilson@gmail.com for shipping.
Lips are one of the most expressive and beautiful features on a woman’s face. However, as we age, our lips tend to lose their youthful juiciness and the structural vermillion border becomes less prominent.
Lip Filler Injections are one of the most common injectables treatments performed worldwide for their efficacy of restoring and rebuilding the plumpness of your lips.
Harbour Medispa Wilston Lip Fillers include the use of natural sugar-based Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers that work by adding volume and structure to plump the lips.
No ‘duck lips’. Just the perfect natural, pillowy pout (a la Jolie!).
Jo is the Lip Filler Queen!
I love my new lips, pillowy, soft and oh-so natural.
Don’t be fooled by the ‘acid’ in Hyaluronic Acid. When injected, this gel-like water-holding molecule is a moisture-binding ingredient that works effectively to help keep your lips voluminous and beautifully-formed. And, in fact, Hyaluronic Acid is a substance our bodies naturally produce.
We use only the highest-grade Natural Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler brands at Harbour Medispa Wilston to ensure the longest-lasting, effortlessly youthful lips.
The Art & Science Of Lip Filler Enhancement
There is an art and science to fantastic lip filler enhancement. Our Cosmetic Injectables Specialist, Nurse Jo A.K.A. the ‘Lip Filler Queen’, is an expert at working with the unique shape of your lips to implement the techniques and aesthetic to create a truly natural look.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle re-shaping or a more fuller look, Jo works considerately and carefully applying the correct techniques to achieve the most appropriate result for your face.
We also use a numbing agent to ensure your lip filler experience is as painless as possible!
our happy customers
Harbour medispa wilston pillowy pouts
no duck lips in sight
0.5mL Lip Filler Treatment
A Subtle & Oh-So-Kissable Result
0.5mL Lip Filler Treatment
Fresh & Subtle Volume
1mL Freshen up to perioral and Lip Filler Treatment
0.5mL Lip Filler Treatment
Just A Little Refreshment To Enhance Thinning Lips
0.5mL Lip Filler Treatment
Natural Pillow with Focus on Corner Structures
1mL Lip Filler Treatment
Corrective Technique to Perioral Area to Reshape Lip and Supporting Structures.
0.5mL Lip Filler Treatment
Jolie-Inspired with Pillow-Effect & Slight Upturning On Edges
1mL Lip Filler Treatment built up in multiple sessions of 1mL for a fuller look over time.
Natural Yet Noticeable Results With A Lip Corners Lift
ONE-OFF SESSION (FULL FACE – NECK – DECOLLETAGE) COST: $350
5-SESSION package cost: $999
SKIN NEEDLING + QUATRO LED LIGHT THERAPY COST: $330
RECOVERY TIME: 2-3 DAYS WITH redness
Erase Your Skin’s Past
Our Medical Dermapen Skin Micro-Needling Technology provides an unparalleled response to revive and restore your skin texture. Used by plastic surgeons worldwide, this medical procedure, through the segmented delivery of microneedles, gently creates “micro-injuries” to your skin’s epidermis & dermis to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and trigger new natural collagen and elastin production.
Using Hyaluronic Acid during your Dermapen skin treatment, we help revitalise your skin’s outer layers so they look and feel softer, smoother, and instantly more hydrated. The result is a dramatic improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our specialised medical skin micro-needling procedure is different from the standard beauty therapy industry service as it allows us to penetrate deeper into the epidermis of the skin for better results.
Skin Needling is also the ideal treatment for acne scarring as it creates a softer skin texture and softens the fibrous bands in the base of the acne scar, giving more flexibility and a naturally blended appearance to the skin.
SKIN MICRO-NEEDLING CAN ADDRESS:
Fine lines & wrinkles
Acne
Scarring
Cellulite
Stretch marks
Skin pigmentation issues
Skin tightening and rejuvenation
Enlarged pores
Unwanted tattoos
Aging Skin
Vertical lip lines
Vitiligo
Hyperpigmentation
What is Skin Needling?
Micro-needling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or ‘Dermapen’, involves using a tool called a dermapen with tiny needles at the end that make little holes or needle pricks in the top layers of skin.
The dermapen gently glides over the skin creating millions of fine channels. These channels help in trans-dermal delivery of topically applied formulations. The body naturally responds to medical skin micro-needling by launching processes to repair the physical damage. The result is an increased production of normal woven-collagen, similar to fractional laser treatments, but without the side effects and downtime.
RECOMMENDED MICRO-NEEDLING TREATMENTS
FOR REJUVENATION
FOR ACNE SCARRING
FOR STRETCH MARKS
4 – 6 Treatments
6 Treatments
4 – 8 Treatments
4 Weeks Apart
6 Weeks Apart
4 – 6 Weeks Apart
How Skin Needling Differs From Laser Resurfacing & Micro-Dermabrasion
Skin Needling works to delivers the highest calibre collagen induction therapy to improve skin texture, smooth wrinkles and fine lines while softening scars. This unique process combines micro needling with the introduction of various vitamins and complex ingredients to the dermis.
While laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion techniques destroy the epidermis to create denser fibrosis in the dermis, Skin Needling preserves the epidermis and stimulates collagen deposition in the dermis.
The result is a simple, natural and advanced skin perfecting treatment with minimal side effects.
TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
3 DAYS BEFORE TREATMENT
AVOID the use of Ibuprofen, Asprin, Aleve, Fish Oils and Vitamin E Supplements – this helps to prevent bruising
AVOID the use of topical products containing Tretinoin, Retin-A, Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy-Acid or other “Anti-Aging” products
AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing or the use of hair removal cream around the lip area
24-HOURS BEFORE TREATMENT
AVOID excessive alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment – this helps to prevent the likelihood of bruising
AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing or the use of hair removal cream around the area to be treated
DAY OF TREATMENT
Arrive 5 – 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment with a clean face – please do not wear makeup
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling, if necessary
AVOID makeup or product application for 24 hours after treatment to help prevent infection
AVOID exposure to intense heat (sun lamp or sunbathing) and/or intense cold for 24 hours after your lip filler treatment
AVOID the use of Ibuprofen, Asprin, Fish Oils and Vitamin E Supplements for 24 hours after your lip filler treatment
AVOID the consumption of alcohol up to 48 hours after treatment
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us here.
treatment time: 15 mins to 45 mins
(depending on number of areas being treated)
RECOVERY TIME: zero to little recovery time
RESULTS LAST: 3 – 4 MONTHS
(depending on metabolism & area being treated)
COST per unit: $3.95
cost for 1 area: $250
cost for 2 areas: $349
cost for 3 areas: $499
Refresh. Rejuvenate. Restore.
Fine lines and wrinkles sadly are what make our faces look old and tired. This is primarily due to repetitive muscle facial expressions, aging and sun exposure. Anti-Wrinkle Injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for their quick and painless ability to relax targeted muscle groups to minimise these signs of aging.
Harbour Medispa Wilston is a skin clininc administered by our Qualified Cosmetic Specialist & Registered Nurse and the medical team at Renaissance Cosmetic Clinics. We offer the latest in Cosmetic Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Wilston utilising only the best brands in the industry. We take a highly- strategic approach to rejuvenating your face with anti-wrinkle injection amounts and placements that elevate your natural beauty where it matters.
NURSE JO IS PRECISE, HONEST AND EXPLAINED THOROUGHLY HOW THE TREATMENTS WOULD ENHANCE MY NATURAL LOOK. I AM SO IMPRESSED & HAPPY WITH MY RESULTS. I TRUST JO IMPLICITLY!
Neuromodulators or neurotoxins – the substance used in anti-wrinkle injections – are most well-known for “freezing” wrinkles and lines. They are best used for temporary treatment to smooth wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, and smiling.
Anti-wrinkle injections work by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that signals muscles to move. They temporarily paralyse those specific muscles that contract, creating common frown lines, crow’s feet, and horizontal lines.
While there is no real downtime associated with this treatment, the team at Harbour Medispa Wilston feel it is important to note that you may encounter some slight bruising and swelling directly after treatment on occassions. This can easily be masked by make-up.
There are no long-term side effects of having wrinkle injections, meaning patients can resume their usual activities straight away, and can also fly post-treatment.
The results can last between four to six months depending on your metabolism speed, lifestyle and many other factors. Expect to see the fantastic results within two to three days following just one treatment, but really kicking in by the second week post-treatment.
Are Anti-Wrinkle Relaxants or Dermal Fillers Right For Me?
The simple rule? Lines of expression need anti-wrinkle injections. Lines at rest need filler. While anti-wrinkle injections are a great choice for hitting those “crease points” where muscles contract, fillers are best for deep lines that are present even when facial muscles are not contracting.
Harbour Medispa Wilston’s Anti-Wrinkle Injections can product long-term results with benefits including:
Reducing wrinkles, creating a younger-looking appearance
Non-surgical treatment with little to no downtime
Smoothes skin texture
Effective in treating excessive sweating and migraines
our results Harbour Medispa Wilston
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results for Forehead Line Reduction. Photo Taken Two Weeks Post-Treatment.
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results to Forehead & Brow with Overall Improvement to Deep Static Lines for First Time Client
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results to Crows Feet and Forehead
(Immediate Results with 2 More For Treatment To Settle In)
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results to Reduce Significant Forehead Lines
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results for Crow’s Feet Reduction
Crow’s Feet Anti Wrinkle photographs before and after 2 weeks post-treatment.
Men’s Crow’s Feet Anti Wrinkle photographs before and after 2 weeks post-treatment..
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Results for Brow Lift & Forehead Line Reduction. Photo Taken 2 Weeks Post-Treatment.
AVOID the use of Ibuprofen, Asprin, Aleve, Fish Oils and Vitamin E Supplements – this helps to prevent bruising
AVOID the use of topical products containing Tretinoin, Retin-A, Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy-Acid or other “Anti-Aging” product
24-HOURS BEFORE TREATMENT
AVOID excessive alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment – this helps to prevent the likelihood of bruising.
DAY OF TREATMENT
Arrive 5 – 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment with a clean face – please do not wear makeup
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling or bleeding, if necessary. Ice and over-the-counter medication can be used to reduce any minor side effects. If you do experience these effects, they are easily concealable with makeup.
AVOID makeup or product application for 24 hours after treatment to help prevent infection
AVOID exposure to intense heat (sun lamp or sunbathing) and/or intense cold for 24 hours after your anti-wrinkle injection treatment
AVOID the use of Ibuprofen, Asprin, Fish Oils and Vitamin E Supplements for 24 hours after your treatment
AVOID rubbing for your face and any strenuous activities for up to 72-hours post-treatment
TREATMENT FREQUENCY
Most patients require treatments 3 to 4 times a year for optimal results.
After several maintenance treatments, your facial muscles being treated begin to respond much quicker and remain trained, thus requiring less frequent treatments.
