Retrinal Cream by Avene

By Carol Mandro, Skincare Associate

Vitamin A topicals are an intregral part of all advanced skincare regimens

It is our belief, as well as the belief of many cosmetic plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists, that a Vitamin A topical is an intregral part to all advanced skincare regimens. Tretinoin (brand name Retin-A) is commonly used for acne and for its anti-aging benefits. Tretinoin (retinoic acid) is a Vitamin A product in the group of products called retinoids. Tretinoin has always been considered to be the best Vitamin A topical available and is one of the most important components in the Obagi NuDerm System; however, some patients do have trouble tolerating this topical because of irritation, redness, flaking and peeling. Tretinoin is a physician-dispensed prescription product; but due to a change in e-regulations, we cannot dispense tretinoin to our internet customers — only to our in-house patients. 

After much searching, we now have a new retinoid (Vitamin A) product — Avene Retrinal Cream as a healthy alternative to Tretinoin.

Avene Retrinal Cream in 0.05% and 0.1% strengths contains stable and powerful concentrations of retinaldehyde which is another form of Vitamin A. Retinaldehyde is converted to retinoic acid by your cells. This conversion varies with each individual meaning that results may differ for each individual. It may or may not take longer to see results. As with all skincare products, consistency and continued application are the key to obtaining the results indicated. Retrinal Cream by Avene, having many of the same properties as tretinoin and being only one conversion away from retinoic acid, may help those who have previously stopped using tretinoin because of adverse reactions or for those who are unable to obtain a prescription for tretinoin. Retrinal Cream by Avene has the benefits of Tretinoin and is less irritating to your skin with a smaller chance of redness, flaking and peeling.

Both tretinoin (retinoic acid) and Retrinal Cream (retinaldehyde) directly affect your skin cells to aid in the repair of your skin at a cellular level resulting in younger, healthier-looking skin. For people with sensitive skin or people who cannot tolerate tretinoin, Retrinal Cream may be a great alternative. There is also an indication that Retrinal Cream can be used by acne sufferers with minimal irritation and may even help fight the P. acnes or bacteria causing acne.

Retrinal Cream by Avene is available without a Rx prescription and can be ordered directly through our Skincare-MD website.  Retrinal Cream 0.05% and Retrinal Cream 0.1% is clinically proven to visibly reduce the signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Retrinal Cream can improve the skin’s texture and tone, enhance firmness and restore radiance. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Usage and Strength Recommendations for Retrinal Cream by Avene

For those customers that are new to an advanced skincare program, we encouraged you to start with Retrinal Cream 0.05% nightly. This can be used daily or every other day. Once the tube is used up, you can advance to Retrinal Cream 0.1% nightly. It should be noted that it is important to condition your skin with a lower strength 0.05% before moving up to the 0.1% strength. For those with more sensitive skin, continue using the Retrinal Cream 0.05%.

If you are new to the Obagi NuDerm System or presently mixing Obagi NuDerm Blender with tretinoin, you can use Avene Retrinal Cream as an alternative to tretinoin. If you are using tretinoin as a stand-alone product or in combination with any skincare regimen, simply substitute Avene Retrinal Cream, either in the 0.05% or the 0.1% strength, with tretinoin.

Pricing of Retrinal Cream by Avene

Avene Retrinal 0.05% Cream in available in a 1 oz (30 ml) tube for $50.40. Avene Retrinal 0.1% Cream in also available in a 1 oz (30 ml) tube for $57.60. Both formulations have been discounted 10% off retail.

There are many other skincare topicals that contain retinols and retinyl palmitates (other forms of Vitamin A), which are the most common non-prescription retinoid products. Products containing retinols and retinyl palmitates tend to be less effective than retinoic acid or retinaldehyde but could be indicated for extremely sensitive patients. Retinols and retinyl palmitates are two conversion steps away from retinoic acid.

Sunscreens Highly Recommended with the use of any Vitamin A Topical

We strong recommend that a “high quality sunscreen” be used daily whenever a Vitamin A product is incorporated into your advanced skincare regimen. If you are outside bicycling, swimming, gardening, etc. and receiving a lot of sun exposure, a high quality sun block should be layered over your sunscreen. To meet the criteria of “high quality” these products must contain at least 7% zinc oxide or titanium oxide. All of the sunscreens that are sold on the Skincare-MD website, meet the highest standards of protection and are highly recommended.

Our Sun Protection Guideslines are as follows:

• Protect yourself by applying a high quality sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure.  
• Apply a thin layer of sun block over the sunscreen. This is an optional step if you are exposure to heavy sunshine such as bicycling, gardening, boating, skiing, etc. This is not necessary for everyday use.
• Avoid the sun during the hottest time of the day usually 10 am to 2 pm
• Wear sun protection clothing such as a sun hat or visor

To view the sunscreens that we highly recommend, please visit our Sunscreen section of our website.

Pregnancy and Nursing Advisory:

In an effort to avoid injury to the developing baby, most skin care topicals have not been clinically tested on pregnant or nursing women; therefore, we advise that they not be used. Products containing hydroquinoine or products containing retinoids should NOT be used when pregnant or nursing. You should also discontinue the use of skin care products containing these ingredients for at least one month before contemplating pregnancy. If in doubt, please refer to the product insert for further information and consult with your physician.

Contact Us

If you would like learn more about or order Avene Retrinal Cream, I would suggest that you speak to Lisa Roberge, our licensed aesthetician. Lisa will discuss your skincare goals and concerns with you and how to incorporate Avene Retrinal Cream into your daily regimen.  Lisa can be reached at 1-877-416-0600 or 603-296-4920 and is available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST. Lisa is very knowledgeable and is always happy to help our skincare customers.