How to Reduce Redness With Retin-A
Retin-A---the trademarked name for retinoic acid‚ was introduced to the public as a treatment for acne more than 30 years ago. While treating their acne with Retin-A, many consumers discovered that it also had a beneficial effect on their fine lines and wrinkles, and Retin-A was subsequently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use. Products that contain Retin-A often cause redness of the skin as it peels away the skin's top-layer cells, but you can counter this with simple, at-home techniques.
Instructions
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Avoid sun exposure, the No. 1 aggravating reason why people get redness of the skin while using Retin-A. Because it peels away the uppermost layers of the skin, Retin-A causes the skin to burn more quickly than usual.
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Apply a makeup foundation with a yellow pigment, which will neutralize and reduce the redness. Dab the foundation on your face with a makeup sponge, using delicate strokes, to avoid further aggravating the skin.
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Soak a soft washcloth in cool water or cold milk and apply it to your face for up to 10 minutes at a time. Cold milk has been used since Cleopatra's time to calm irritated skin, relaxing the blood vessels in the face.
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Tips & Warnings
There are special makeup formulas designed to cover scars and tattoos. These can also work to disguise the redness caused by products containing Retin-A, but consult your dermatologist first.
Avoid the use of caffeine as well as hot and spicy foods while using Retin-A. These can cause blood to rush to the face, producing a flushed look on the cheeks and forehead and adding to any existing redness.
