Obagi Tretinoin vs Retinol: What’s the difference ?

What is the difference between retinol and tretinoin (Retin A)?

It is important to first distinguish what these products are: Retin A is a brand name for the drug, tretinoin. Retin-A (tretinoin) is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself. The Obagi brand of tretinoin cream is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother.

Tretinoin is an Rx product and can be purchased from, or prescribed by, a physician.

Retinol – the strongest form of retinoid, is the over-the-counter, cosmetic version of tretinoin. Many people confuse retinol with tretinoin. Retinol and retinoic acid are related but distinctly different. First retinol needs to be converted by skin enzymes into the even stronger form : Retinoic Acid, which is what causes the irritation. Only retinoic acid directly affects skin cells and helps reduce signs of aging. Tretinoin is a retinoic acid and does not need to go through this conversion.

Retinol is a weaker, over the counter version of tretinoin, a prescription vitamin A derivative that is highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging. Tretinoin decreases fine lines, evens skin color, improves texture, tightens pores, and stimulates blood flow and collagen production. However, quite a few people cannot tolerate tretinoin because it can be highly irritating and drying. Retinol is milder; while the results may not be as dramatic, more people tolerate it well. Like tretinoin, retinol encourages skin cell turnover; this new skin is delicate and should not be exposed to the sun. That is why these ingredients should only be found in products intended for night use.

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.

Something else to consider is that retinol, like all vitamin A derivatives, is NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That includes all skin care products, even serums and night creams.

Obagi Medical has developed high strength retinol formulas that are more effective than run-of-the-mill retinol products. Additionally, Obagi Medical’s retinol is packaged in an air tight, pump dispenser and has been formulated in an entrapped, slow release delivery system that provides maximum strength retinol without irritation.

Conclusion

Retinoic acid(tretinoin) (sold as Retin A, Obagi 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. Obagi provides a varied spectrum of tretinoin cream strengths with the Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% and Obagi Tretinoin 0.1%.

Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner Review

Reviewed by: Holly Chu

Can’t get your lashes on a curler? If you’ve been dying to have longer, fuller, thicker, and stronger eyelashes, no matter how short, brittle, thin, fragile or sparse your eye lashes are, RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner can help.

No more mascara, no more fussing with false eyelashes, glue and tweezers … At last here’s one beauty product that really does what it promises. So how does Revitalash work? Basically, it encourages the formation of new eyelashes and the same time enhances the fullness of existing lashes to give you a seductive look.

With Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner, you will begin to see an improvement in your eyelashes within 3 weeks but it will take longer to get full results. However, be patient as results are guaranteed within 60 days or your money back (see official RevitaLash® website for more information).

Using Revitalash

One thing to remember if you ever try Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner, is to wash your face before using it and not to use any eye cream products for at least a few minutes after applying Revitalash. For some reason, the manufacturers forget to make this clear in the instructions that come with the product. I only found out after contacting them on their official website. Also use it daily until you notice a significant difference, then use it every other day thereafter. This may save you money (considering how expensive the product is) without affecting the results.

Pros:

• Does what it says (gives you longer, fuller and thicker eyelashes).
• Won’t damage your eyelashes unlike mascara
• Does not contains parabens, hormones or salicylates like other similar products.

Cons:

• Quite expensive but definitely worth it.
• Results take a while so try to be patient.
• May cause mild irritation at the base of eyelashes (though rarely).
• May cause mild discoloration of skin at the base of eyelashes (again this is rarely).
• Suitability for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown.

Ingredients:

Benzalkonium Chloride, Carboxymethyl-Cellulose Sodium, Citric Acid, Deionized Water, Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Formula LashGro, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol ProVitamin B5.

M.D Forte Facial Cream II Review

It is no coincidence that the M.D Forte Facial Cream II is a product of the same company that manufactures Botox, which makes them a pioneer when it comes to “beating” the signs of anti-aging.

A rich, moisturizing cream with 20% glycolic compound (5% higher than the Level I version and even higher than other similar products on the market), the MD Forte Facial Cream II visibly reduces the dreaded appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and generally improves skin tone and softness, resulting in glowing, healthier, youthful-looking skin.

It’s classified as a renewal / anti-aging product and is basically aimed at improving the overall appearance of very dry, rough skin or skin that has become chapped – a common condition in cooler climates.

The M.D Forte Facial cream II is ideal for use in the evening and will smoothen your skin complexion without clogging your pores. It’s recommended for dry, sensitive or mature, aging skin that has been acclimated to MD Forte Facial Cream I products for 4 to 6 months. However, it will work for any skin type.

The glycolic acid in MD Forte Facial Cream II is believed to offer better and faster results than other alpha hydroxy acids found in similar anti-aging products. Furthermore, it helps increase moisturization of your skin as well as the natural turnover of new cells (exfoliation process), which generally slows down with age and exposure to the sun.

Pros:

• Evens out skin texture and tone
• Results tend to be better and faster (within 2 – 6 weeks) compared to other alpha hydroxy acid products.
• Less likely to cause skin irritation compared to other similar products
• Does not leave your face feeling greasy
• Does not clog your skin or cause it to break out

Cons:

• Products do not contain peptides, which stimulate collagen synthesis and is important in maintaining firmness and elasticity
• Need approval from a physician before you can order
• Causes small amount of tingling or redness at first

Ingredients:

Purified Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Glycolate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ceresin, glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Skin Care: Some Simple Methods for Making Your Skin Look Younger!

Our skin takes in a lot daily, it tends to lose hydration, moisture because of the climate and environmental conditions which are harsh on our skin. Another major cause of skin’s damage that few of us pay attention to is the sun, which in moderation can do wonders and little more of it can really damage the skin. This is why regular skin care regimen cannot be done with a single cosmetic lotion or cream and soap.

To keep your skin healthy, a moisturizer is not good enough anymore. You need a set of products, each is specialized in a specific treatment and protection of your skin to provide you with complete skin care package. Some regular requirements of skin care are cleansing, toning, protection, damage reduction and repair, exfoliation of dead cells, color evening and growing back healthy skin cells. A regimen that includes all the above is Obagi Nu-Derm System, especially formulated for giving skin a respite from daily damage.

Obagi Nu-Derm is a complete package to help you keep your skin healthy; it is a system which combines several different products each one specially created to do its job. Let’s take a look:

Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel (Normal/Oily Skin) and/or Gentle cleanser (Normal/Dry skin):

This zero soap gel is a cleanser, it removes all traces of dirt, grime, makeup, oil and impurities and makes you skin clear and fresh. This gel also prepares you skin for the next step of the Obagi Nu-Derm system.

Obagi Nu-Derm Toner:

Toning is most necessary after cleansing. The toning system has been formulated with alum and is designed to provide the skin with natural toning. The toner also adjusts the PH balance in skin so that the following systems are more effective with the skin.

Obagi C-Serums:

Toning should be followed by putting a restriction on free radicals, this is exactly what the C-serums do, these destroy free oxygen in the skin protecting the skin against future damage.

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear:

This lotion has been especially created to even out skin color, so the skin looks shinier.

Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm/Exfoderm Forte:

These are especially formulated for exfoliating the skin and freeing it from dead skin cells so that the newer ones can replace these faster.

Obagi Nu-Derm Action:

This cream is a special hydrant and provides hydration to extremely dry areas of skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Blender:

Has been created so that the skin color can be smoothened by promoting growth of similar colored skin cells without pigmentation and acne.

Obagi Tretinoin cream:

The cream is especially designed for helping circulation of healthy skin cells. This will helps reduce the wrinkles and damaged cells will be replaced by healthy skin cells faster.

Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy skin protection:

This sunscreen SPF35 provides protection for the skin from harmful UVA rays. The UVA rays are said to be main cause premature aging of the skin.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream:

This cream has been designed for application around the eyes so that the delicate skin around the eyes gets hydrated, reducing wrinkles and helping you look younger.

The Obagi’s Nu-Derm range provides all around protection of your skin. However, these are not regular cosmetics and we recommend you to visit your dermatologist or your physician for a consultation before starting your treatment.

Obagi ELASTIderm: Remove wrinkles from your face effectively!

Wrinkles is a sign of aging skin. Wrinkles on your skin appear due to a variety of reasons, but the main reason is because the skin starts losing its elasticity. Elastin is a protein in your skin that holds it firmly in place. Once there is a loss in elasticity, your skin cannot hold firm and remains stretched thus the wrinkles.

Reducing wrinkles or making them disappear is no easy task, but thanks to Obagi Medical. You now have the solution that actually works and helps you reduce wrinkles around your eyes.

Obagi’s Elastiderm is specially formulated product that is clinically proven to help replenish both elastin and boost collagen production, and give the wrinkles around the eye area the ability to bounce back so that skin looks, feels and acts younger.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream

This is a skin firming formula that strengthens skin by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin in mature, or damaged skin. This advanced formula makes use of the body’s natural skin renewal processes at night for youthful, radiant looking skin. Ideal for mature or damaged skin, this anti-aging eye cream helps restore a youthful glow and healthy appearance to the entire eye area. Formulated for normal to oily skin.

Obagi ELASTIderm Facial Serum

This Facial Serum is formulated with patented Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™, this advanced serum helps skin to bounce back from the signs of aging, resulting in firmer-looking, more resilient skin.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Serum

This Obagi Eye Serum revives the delicate skin around the eyes for a rejuvenated appearance. Bi-mineral complex promotes elasticity to tighten and smooth out wrinkles and crow’s feet while malonic acid encourages skin cell renewal. This next generation, targeted eye-area therapy helps improve the strength and resilience of skin around the eyes.

Chemicals you do not want on your skin or bad chemicals for your skin.

This is a ‘short-list’ of some of the more hazardous and toxic chemicals you will often find in your skin and personal care products. Take a very close look at the labels of your skin and personal care products, including your hair shampoo and conditioner and see if any of these potentially toxic chemicals described here are listed on the label.

If they are there, you should seriously consider finding an alternative that does not contain any of these chemicals and toss the old products out. They are not good for your and your families health.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and/or Ethyl Paraben

Used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of skin and personal care products. Parabens have been reported to have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are potentially toxic.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)

DEA and TEA are often used in cosmetics and shampoos as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. They are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos, bubble baths, hand and body wash products for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Avoid at all cost.

Methylisothiazoline (MIT)

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a biocide widely used in industrial and cosmetic products and has been shown to pose a potential risk to unborn babies. It is widely used in shampoos and there very well could be neuro-developmental consequences from Mit. It is of particularly concerned to women with occupational exposure to MIT during pregnancy as there is a possibility of risk to the foetus. Avoid at all cost

Petrolatum

Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens and are to be avoided.

Propylene Glycol

Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. The natural versions are fine and perfectly safe, not so their synthetic counter parts.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens.

Stearalkonium Chloride

A plant-derived ingredient, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair, and is a good conditioning agent. It is a quaternary ammonium compound also used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Potentially toxic.

Synthetic Colors

Used to make cosmetics “pretty,” synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 3 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don’t use it.

Synthetic Fragrances

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read “fragrance.” Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Synthetic fragrances should be avoided. Be careful when looking at these because often the lable may say “fragrance of Lavender”, or fragrance of “Rose” or similarly popular essential oils. Fragrance of = Synthetic, NOT the real essential oil.

There are thousands more chemicals and it is not the intention of this article to bore you to tears, but rather to alert you to some of the most commonly used chemicals which are found in most brands on your department store and supermarket shelves.

So keep you eyes on the ingredients and think twice if you see any of the above on the list

How to Use Obagi Nu-Derm Blender for Maximum Results

Obagi Blender is a great product for getting rid of blemishes and dark skin spots. In order to maximize the benefits, you should strictly follow the directions recommended by Obagi Medical.

1. Consult your physician before starting the Obagi Blender treatment. Each person’s skin is different and your physician is the best person who can tell you how to start the treatment.
2. Do regular follow up with your physician after starting your regimen. Your skin is most sensitive to the treatment in the first phase of treatment. There is a good chance that the skin will turn red and irritates for the first few days or so. If redness and irritations continue, contact your physician immediately so he can advises you to keep the treatment or stop it.
3. You should see immediate results after a week of treatment. Redness and minor peelings can appear in the first few days, it is a normal skin condition under treatment.
4. If you go out, it’s recommended that you use Sunscreen SPF30 or more to protect your skin from harmful sun rays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Treatment

If you have questions about common acne treatment this article should help shed some light on your concerns. Specifically we’ll take a look at how to properly care for your skin, how to correctly manage your diet to prevent acne outbreaks and how to keep outbreaks from coming back by lowering the levels of stress in your life. After reviewing these questions and answers you should have a better grasp on how to take important steps to manage and reduce acne. By taking the appropriate actions and cutting out bad habits you are helping your body ease acne out of your system and fight it off from returning.

What is the correct way to clean and treat the acne on my skin?

The best way to do this is to wash your acne ridden skin daily. Here’s the important thing: whatever you do ensure that you do not use any form of rough cloth on your skin as this will irritate your acne and potentially cause more complication. Another important thing to remember is to never ever, under any circumstance attempt to scratch, pick or pop any form of acne. This can lead to scarring and potentially spreading of acne. If your acne spreads, you are being counter productive, so ensure you never do this. Another massive factor in acne treatment is your diet.

What role does my diet play in my acne treatment?

Your diet plays an enormous role in helping you cure acne. When you consume junk food you are filling your body with the right ingredients to produce acne on your skin. What you want to try to do is cut out as much junk food as possible from your diet. This includes, but is not at all limited to: chocolate, candy, sweets, cake, etc. A great suggestion is to replace these things with much healthier snacks. A perfect solution would be to implement carrots as a snack in place of the other junk, because carrots are known for helping to heal acne. When you have a balanced and healthy diet in place your body will not have the oily junk food and will have better tools to help fight off the acne. This will drastically help you cut down the number, frequency, and severity of acne outbreaks. One more great way to help your acne treatment is by reducing stress.

I’ve been told stress in my life is causing my acne. How can this possibly be true and what can I do to overcome it?

This is in fact true. It has been proven that there is a direct correlation between stress factors and acne outbreaks. Therefore, if you work hard to try to reduce the amount of stress in your life a decrease in acne will most likely soon follow. I know this sounds hard but the payoff is immense. Another thing to remember is that it is very common for someone with acne to have an outbreak and then be stressed about their appearance during this time. This ensures more stress in their life and in turn leads to more outbreaks. If you have an outbreak you should try to focus less on your appearance because this will increase your stress and not help your acne get better any sooner.Once you take all of the above factors into account you soon realize that the only thing stopping you from healing your acne is usually yourself. Start taking action by implementing proper cleansing methods, adjusting your diet and reducing stress. Once you start taking action, you will start to see drastic results.