Re: Re: Tretinoin, and more on skin sensitivity (was: topical RETIN...

July 8, 2002

In a message dated 7/8/02 9:37:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time, tommy7ro@...

writes:

> Retinol is another higher retinoid form of vitamin A, used in over-

> the-counter anti-aging formulations (avon, neutrogena, etc). They

> make somewhat comparable claims to renova, but these are not

> supported by independent peer-reviwed science, only by the individual

> companies conducting their own " tests " or surveys and making claims.

> As you know, as long as they carefully word the claimed benefits, and

> disclaim FDA approval or review of those claims, they can say almost

> anything. On a personal note, I've used these products in the past,

> and they are great for skin appearance. Use was way way before my

> rosacea (if thats even what I have), so can't comment on retinol and

> rosacea.

For the past month, I have been testing out a sample retinol product I

ordered from Dr. Sy's website, Green Cream retinol lotion. The product was

developed by Dr. Nia Terezakis in New York and Dr. Sy has decided to offer it

to her customers. As an over-40 rosacea sufferer, I've been interested in

finding SOME kind of anti-aging product that I can use. Because I've stayed

out of the sun so much the past 10-15 yeas, my skin is not looking too bad

(if you ignore the rosacea!) but I had many sunburns as a child and teen, so

wrinkles are creeping in and I'd like to be proactive with them, as I think

chemical peels and plastic surgery are too risky.

From the Green Cream pamphlet:

" Retinol, Green Cream's active ingredient, belongs to the family of Vitamin A

derivatives called retinoids. Retinol has the potential of reversing the

effects of sun damage in skin. When used consistently and appropriately,

maximum improvement can be achieved.

The key to achieving a healthy appearance is to deliver as much retinol to

the skin as possible. Although retinols can be irritating to the skin,

Advanced Skin Technology researchers are able to reduce the irritation

through its proprietary delivery system. The delivery system allows Green

Cream to be among the highest concentrations of retinol on the market today.

How does Green Cream work?

- Stimulates exfoliation of dull looking epidermal cells by accelerating skin

cell turnover time from the standard 30-35 day cycle to 5-6 days causing the

skin to appear smoother and brighter looking.

- Repairs cellular structure damage gradually in the epidermal cells as well

as in the dermal collagen and small blood vessels.

- Helps shrink oil glands which in turn reduces pore size and diminishes

scars.

- Builds an " infrastructure " by stimulating new collagen and a new thicker,

plumper epidermis. "

As recommended in the brochure, I have been using the Green Cream only every

other day after cleansing in the evening (night application is recommended

because it says the product can easily be inactivated by light). I have used

the entire sample-size container now and did not experience any irritation or

flaking. It has a very light, non-oily consistency and very little odor. I

am considering buying a full-size container (yikes $40) and working up to

applying it every night. In the morning, I am still applying Vita Oil on my

damp skin, then following it up with ZincO sunscreen later on. My rosacea is

primarily constant red/pink nose and cheeks, with occasional pustules ... I

don't have the seb-derm component, nor do I get the large painful pustules

like my mom does (sad but true, she's 72 and still breaking out!).

I was wary of trying a retinol product but I'm vain enough to go for it and

encouraged by Dr. Sy's endorsement that this product is non-irritating enough

for people with rosacea. So far, that's been true for me. I'll post again

after I start daily applications.

Heidi in NH

July 8, 2002