Surface repair treatment | Retin-A | Alpha Hydroxy Acids | Glycolic Acids

SKIN MANAGEMENT (Retin-A® treatment & glycolic acid treatment)

Also Known As: Surface repair treatment, Retin-A, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acids

Skin Management Introduction

For decades, skin management has always been an issue for both men and women. Fortunately, eliminating skin imperfections and softening facial skin can be achieved through non-surgical treatments.

Skin management non-surgical treatments include glycolic acids and Retin-A. Each treatment can be used alone, or prescribed after a plastic surgery procedure such as chemical peels or facelift.

Retin-A is the trademark name for a vitamin A-enriched cream, which is responsible for changing cellular metabolism of the skin surfaces. It is used to treat fine wrinkles and skin conditions caused by sun damage.

Retin-A is a topical medication, usually available as creams or gels. Each kind of Retin-A product differs according to concentration levels to accommodate specific skin types.

The main purpose of Retin-A creams and gels is to provide a mild chemical peel to enhance collagen production and speed up the natural exfoliation process.

Glycolic acids, also known as fruity acids, helps in loosening the bonds between skin cells and exfoliating old and dead skin cells. When the dead skin cells loosen up, the skin is revitalized enabling the production of fresh skin and healthy tissues.

There are several strengths of glycolic acids. Lower strengths are used for exfoliating skin management, while higher glycolic acid strengths are used as a milder alternative for chemical peels.

The main purpose of glycolic acid, as a skin management treatment, is to stimulate the production and stimulation of collagen and elastin.

Benefits of Skin Management treatments

Generally, taking care of the facial skin using non-surgical, skin management treatments gives the skin a healthier glow and a more youthful appearance.

Retin-A specifically treats acne, hyperpigmentation and poor skin texture. This skin management treatment also works as preparations to procedures such as facial surgeries and laser skin resurfacing. Retin-A creams and gels can be used during recovery period of facial surgical treatments.

Glycolic acids are specifically used for people whose skin is showing the signs of aging such as brown marks, dry spots and fine lines. This skin management treatment can also benefit people that are prone to acne.

How do skin management treatments work?

Retin-A skin management treatments are applied on the outermost layer of the skin. After repeated applications, the cells of the epidermis layers are motivated to produce thicker epidermis layers. When the epidermis is stimulated, it results in a significant increase in cellular growth and collagen production.

Glycolic acids are skin management treatments that peel the skin for about fifteen to twenty minutes. The strength of each glycolic acid peel ranges from twenty to seventy percent, largely depending on skin sensitivity. The peel starts by cleansing the skin and applying the solution for three minutes. After mild stinging, the solution is then washed off thoroughly.

Recovery & Results

Immediately after the Retin-A treatments, you may experience itching, stinging, irritation, redness or skin dryness. However, these side effects disappear quickly as the skin adjusts to the treatments.

After Retin-A skin management treatments, the visible results will be evident after several weeks. The treatments should be maintained, in acceptable intervals, in order to maximize the benefits of Retin-A. Your skin specialist may also require other skincare regimen for further improvement and maintenance of results.

Immediately after the glycolic acid treatments, the target skin may experience mild redness and light peeling, which disappears in a few days. You will need sun block for ultraviolet light protection since the skin’s outer layers are thin out by the acid. Compared to Retin-A treatments, you need to discontinue the use of certain cosmetics on the treated area.

After continued use of glycolic acid treatments, gradual improvements will be visible in the tone and texture of your skin. Typical glycolic acid skin management users report an overall smoothness of the face. However, the degree of pigmentation and individual condition will determine the time needed for visibility of results. Complete improvement of the skin may be visible in six weeks.

Surgical facility And Cost

Both Retin-A and glycolic acid skin management treatments are performed by using home products, or can be administered by skincare professionals in spas and plastic surgery facilities.

An annual treatment of Retin-A may cost about $180 to $750. While glycolic acid treatments costs $80 per 45-minute session, $200 for 3 sessions and $400 for six sessions.

Side Effects, Risks, Complications and Contradictions

Retin-A skin management treatments are relatively safe. However, rare complications can still occur. These include redness, swelling, excessive dryness and blistered skin.

Glycolic acid treatments have been associated with temporary skin irritation and redness. If these reactions persist, switch to a milder formula to prevent permanent side effects.

Cosmetic Surgery