What is the Drug that Makes Your Skin Look Younger?

QUESTION: What is the drug that makes your skin look younger?
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ANSWER: It's called tretinoin, a derivative of Vitamin A. Tretinoin has been
used for several years to treat acne, and it is still only approved by the
Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. This means that the FDA only
recognizes its effectiveness and safety for the treatment of acne, because
testing has only been done in this area. Doctors are prescribing it to help
improve the texture and appearance of sun-damaged skin, but they are closely
supervising its use. The drug is not without damaging and uncomfortable side
effects, so it should be used only under a qualified doctor's close
supervision.
Some people are claiming the product produces a "chemical facelift,"
deaging the skin and reversing the damage done by years of sun exposure. The
original study that used tretinoin to treat sun-damaged skin reported that the
cream, when used over a 16-week period, reduced wrinkling, lightened age spots
and improved skin tone and texture. Further study showed that the number of
skin cells was increased, and that the "turnover" of the cells was speeded up,
giving the appearance of more youthful skin.
Besides the cosmetic benefits of tretinoin, the researchers found that it
reversed certain precancerous changes in the skin. It will be especially
interesting to learn how the product affects wound and burn healing. Studies
are underway now to learn more about these applications.
Anyone who uses tretinoin, whether for acne or to reverse skin changes
that come with age and sun exposure, should be aware that it is a powerful
drug. Tretinoin should be applied only as directed, which means to skin that
has been washed clean with a mild soap then thoroughly dried. Wait 30
minutes, to be sure that no moisture remains on the skin. Apply the cream as
prescribed. Be very cautious of sun exposure, because tretinoin makes the
skin very susceptible to burning. During the first few weeks, skin will
peel. This is expected. However, if an irritation develops, talk with your
doctor.