TOPICAL RETINOIDS – INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Topical retinoids include RetinA, tretinoin, Renova, Differin and Tazorac.

Increases collagen production.
Improves skin texture and discoloration.
Minimizes and decreases fine lines and wrinkles.
Strengthens skin to help reduce bruising on arms and hands.
Chemoprevention against skin cancer and precancer formation.
Decreases pore size and oil gland size.
Treats acne and rosacea.

• Topical Retinoids have quite a few side effects during the first 6-12 weeks of use, but after this adjustment period, you will be happy with the results.

• No topical cream works better at treating and preventing the signs of aging.

• Follow these instructions, not the instructions that come with the package insert.

• Apply approximately 4 pea size amounts of the medication to the face at bedtime, dividing it between the areas of the face and blending into the jawline and neck.

• Apply a light application to the eyelids every 2-3 days. If you develop itching and redness, decrease the frequency of application to once weekly and increase as tolerated. Avoid the corners of the eyes and the mouth.

• There is a 6-12 week transition period that involves redness and peeling off of the outer layer of damaged skin and clogged pores. This is TEMPORARY and will stop. This is an indicator that your skin is responding well to the treatment and it is a desired effect.

• To decrease the peeling of the skin during the day, gently exfoliate your skin while in the shower using the tips of your fingers in circular motions. NO scrubs, scrubbers or abrasive cleaners. Do not pick at the peeling skin. We can recommend a chemical exfoliant cream to help with the peeling if you are still having side effects.

• Do not use any other moisturizers at night except those included in your Obagi Nu Derm or Obagi C regimen. Do not use any moisturizer other than sunscreen in the morning. If extremely dry you can sparingly use Cetaphil cream.

• You may find that during the transition phase it is easier to not wear makeup than to try to cover up the reaction. However, you can apply your makeup as normal.

• If you have a big event that you need to look good for, stop the RetinA for 4-5 days prior to the event. Then resume immediately. Similar regimen prior to waxing.

• Because the RetinA is peeling off the old layer of dead skin and leaving you with a new baby layer of skin, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Plus, you don’t want to damage all of the newly revitalized skin. We recommend a NON-COMODOGENIC sunscreen (SPF>30) to the entire face and neck every morning, and repeated every two hours when in direct sun. Look for a sunscreen with ZINC or TITANIUM for the best protection.