Anti-Aging FAQ's

Aging is associated with various changes to our bodies. One of the most visible signs of aging is that of the skin. The skin accounts for 1/6 of our body weight. Physiological changes in aging skin include biochemical and structural which result in thinning of the epidermis (outer layer of skin). This is particularly noted in women in the face, neck, chest hands and forearms. The thickness of the epidermis decreases approximately 6.4% on average per decade, resulting in the visible signs of skin aging such as reduced collagen, fine lines, wrinkles and dark blotches (hyperpigmentation).

Your 30s is the time that you will start to notice the early signs of skin aging as well as the first effects of the sun damage that may have been accumulated in previous years. People in their 30s often start to notice loss of volume in their cheeks, fine lines and wrinkles and thinner, duller skin. This is because the repairing system of your skin has slowed, slowing down cell turnover and reducing collagen production. However, starting a good skincare routine including a topical retinol or retinoid in your 20s can help address the aging skin process.

We offer prescription-only topical (to be put on the skin) Tretinoin based medicines of varying strengths to suit your needs of your Tretinoin anti-aging journey. Whether you are just trying topical Tretinoin for the first time or need something a bit stronger.

TRETINOIN, which belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by causing the outer layer of the skin to grow more quickly, being replaced with new skin cells. It also helps to increase your skin’s elasticity and boost collagen production which can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and fill out sagging skin with collagen. The growth of new skin cells as a result of Tretinoin use can also help reduce dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

A Tretinoin Journey describes the process of use of Tretinoin as part of your daily skincare routine to reduce the appearance of skin aging. It is important to start slow with a lower percentage strength of Tretinoin as this will have fewer side effects such as dry skin and blemishes. Also, you may wish to start with a few nights a week rather than every night in order for your skin to get used to the product. It is important to be patient over the first few weeks as some of the side effects may be unpleasant; however, please note that they do not last forever and usually resolve within a few weeks. The benefits of using topical-based Tretinoin as an addition to anti-aging skin care routine have widely been reported. At QuickDoc we can help you on your Tretinoin Journey pathway to youthful skin.

When using Tretinoin it is important to start slowly with a lower strength or with a few nights a week rather than every night in order for your skin to get used to the product. It is important to be patient over the first few weeks as some of the side effects may be unpleasant; however, please note that they do not last forever and usually resolve within a few weeks. The benefits of using topical-based Tretinoin as an addition to anti-aging skin care routine have widely been reported. At QuickDoc we can help you on your Tretinoin Journey pathway to youthful skin.

Using topical Tretinoins is generally a safe medication, however TRETINOIN is a RETINOID. RETINOIDS ARE HIGHLY TERATOGENIC (causing birth defects to unborn foetus’) and when prescribed to women of childbearing age it is essential that reliable contraception is used to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least one month after treatment cessation.

Tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A Gel) works by causing the outer layer of the skin to grow more quickly, being replaced with new skin cells. This helps reduce the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and other acne lesions. It also helps to increase your skin’s elasticity and boost collagen production which can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and fill out sagging skin with collagen. The growth of new skin cells as a result of Tretinoin use can also help reduce dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

The therapeutic effects of Retin-A Gel may take several weeks, with the full benefits taking as long as approximately 8-10 weeks after the start of treatment. Treatment is normally continued as part of a daily skincare routine. However, it is recommended to follow the guidance from our QuickDoc Medical team.

The usual dose that our Doctors recommend of Retin-A Gel is a once daily application before going to bed (to lightly cover the affected areas).

After thoroughly cleansing and drying your skin, apply a small amount to the affected areas which have visible aging.

Use only enough medication to lightly cover the affected areas and avoid rubbing the medication into the skin.

Keep the medication away from easily irritated areas such as the mouth, eyes and nostrils. Retin-A Gel should be avoided on areas of skin where other irritations, such as eczema, occur.

Exposure to certain situations should be avoided during treatment, such as prolonged sunlight, sunlamps, wind and cold. If sun exposure is unavoidable, it is important to use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 on exposed areas of skin. Ensure to store Retin-A Gel in its original packaging at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Retin-A Gel contains the active ingredient TRETINOIN which is a RETINOID. RETINOIDS ARE HIGHLY TERATOGENIC (causing birth defects to unborn foetus’) and when prescribed to women of childbearing age it is essential that reliable contraception is used to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least one month after treatment cessation.

Lots of medications can cause side effects, which is an unwanted response to a medication when taken as a normal dose. Not all people experience side effects. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people when using Retin-A Gel.

• Mild skin discomfort (such as burning or tingling) for a short time after application
• Mild skin peeling or unusual skin dryness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (increased photosensitivity)
• Redness of skin
• Skin rash
• Temporary pigment change of the skin

Check with your Doctor (and discontinue medication) as soon as possible if any of the following less common side effects occur:

• Excessively red, crusted or blistered skin
• Severe skin irritation

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR AND DISCONTINUE TAKING THE MEDATION

• Chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath associated with a blue colouring of the lips and peripheries (hands and feet)
• Severe Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (swelling, facial swelling, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, shortness of breath, wheeze, rash, itching)
• Severe skin reaction (blistering, skin peeling, an extensive rash or rash accompanied by fever or pain)

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THE PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET THOROUGHLY WHICH WILL BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY US