You may remember Dr. Keli Koniver from this post all about peptides, wellness and skincare, or from her appearance on The HIM & HER Show. In the episode they spoke all about glowing skin, navigating wellness options and science driven protocols.
Anyway, lucky us because today Keli is on the blog talking to us about tretinoin. If you’re into skincare, namely retinoids, it’s likely you’ve heard of it before. The prescription has been helping people achieve glowing, youthful skin and Kelli is here to tell us if it’s right for you. She is also sharing her own skincare routine with us, and if you’ve seen her skin, you’ll want to take notes.
As the founder of Koniver Aesthetics and having years of experience and knowledge, Keli knows what she’s talking about when it comes to skincare procedures and products, lasers and other treatments. Lauryn and Michael love Craig and Keli and are aligned with their wellness philosophies and expertise. To learn more be sure to listen to them on the show.
With that, let’s welcome Keli to the blog.
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The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Results With Tretinoin
What is Tretinoin and what’s it being used for right now?
Keli Koniver: Tretinoin is a powerful prescription skincare product that falls under the retinoid family. Derived from Vitamin A, it is commonly known as Retin-A and is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
As a prescription-strength drug, tretinoin’s on-label use is for treating acne. However, its most popular use in the aesthetic community is for its anti-aging properties. It is considered one of the most effective ingredients for maintaining healthy, youthful skin, second only to sunscreen.
We use tretinoin to target sun-damaged skin, addressing issues such as rough texture, dull or uneven tone, and fine lines and wrinkles. In some cases, sun damage may also present as pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions on the skin. With regular use of tretinoin, dramatic improvements can be seen in both the health and appearance of the skin.
How is it different from retinol?
KK: Tretinoin, a powerful prescription strength product, and retinol, available over the counter, both fall under the category of retinoids. However, tretinoin reigns supreme as the most bioavailable for the skin – easily absorbed and able to do its job without any conversions. On the other hand, each time a product has to convert before it can be effective, its potency is diminished. Retinols require two conversions in the skin, making them less irritating than tretinoin but also less powerful.
For those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin, starting with a gentler option like retinol or retinaldehyde can help the skin acclimate to the treatment. As a skincare professional, my goal is to find the best retinoid for your skin that you can use nightly without irritation. This may mean starting at a lower strength and gradually increasing as your skin adjusts. With so many new formulations on the market, finding a retinoid that works for you has never been easier.
I have seen time and time again that starting with too high of a strength can lead to frustration and discouragement for patients. Often, they end up using the product less frequently or giving up altogether due to irritation (dryness, redness, flakiness). By beginning with a retinol, we can minimize some of this initial discomfort and avoid potential setbacks.
An additional tip for minimizing the “retinization period” (the adjustment phase when first using retinoids) is to start your treatment in the warmer months. While retinoids are not true photosensitizers (meaning they do not increase sensitivity to sunlight), the heat and humidity of summer can help mitigate some of the initial irritation.
Who is a good candidate for its use?
KK: The vast majority of individuals are good candidates for retinoid use. However, depending on the specific skin condition and concern, we may begin with a lower dose to help your skin acclimate gradually and effectively. Our goal is to enhance and improve your skin’s health and appearance, without overwhelming or causing unnecessary irritation. With careful consideration and personalized care, we will ensure that your retinoid experience is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Can you explain the effects on sun damaged skin and acne?
KK: The skin is a complex system, and when we examine damaged versus healthy skin, we can pinpoint three key players that often contribute to problems: keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. These specialized cells work together to maintain the health and appearance of our skin.
Retinoids are truly remarkable in their ability to stimulate all three of these essential skin cells, promoting cellular turnover and rejuvenation. I like to think of them as a workout for our skin – just like we exercise our bodies, we should also exercise our skin.
By keeping the skin functioning at its best and constantly turning over new cells, retinoids help minimize the damaging effects of sun exposure.
For those struggling with acne, retinoids provide deep cleansing power by penetrating pores and clearing away debris. With consistent use, they can help achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Is this something you recommend women use on their face?
KK: Yes, we recommend it for use on the face by both men and women. As your skin becomes accustomed to it, I highly recommend extending the application of this product to not only your face, but also your neck, chest, and even the backs of your hands. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the skin in these areas may require different levels of care, so it’s best to start with a slow and gradual approach. Over time, you’ll notice a noticeable improvement in the overall texture and appearance of your skin in these often neglected areas.
Are there any side effects from long-term use?
KK: Absolutely, the side effects manifest as skin that becomes tighter and thicker! There’s no clinical evidence that I am aware of indicating a need to halt or restrict use in the long run. For tailored advice specific to your unique skin issues, I urge you to consult with your skincare expert for deeper insights and personalized guidance.
Is it safe for someone with very sensitive skin?
KK: Indeed, barring the rare occurrence of an individual having an allergy to retinoids, with patience, dedication, and a gradual approach, we can typically guide most people to a regimen they can maintain and that yields visible improvements. The skin care landscape has been revolutionized by an influx of cutting-edge formulations, offering a diverse array of options that cater to various skin types and sensitivities. These innovative products, ranging from gentle, time-release retinols to retinaldehydes, have significantly expanded our toolkit. This wealth of choices allows us to fine-tune treatments, making it considerably more manageable to introduce retinoids into a person’s skincare routine without causing undue irritation or discomfort. The result is a more personalized and effective approach to addressing skin concerns, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction and better long-term adherence to retinoid-based treatments.
Are there any other methods one should try before starting to use Tretinoin?
KK: Starting Tretinoin without using a retinol or retinaldehyde is safe, but it’s recommended to start at a lower strength and consult with a skincare professional for any concerns. Initial use may cause irritation, such as peeling, redness, flaking, or itchiness, but this is completely normal and is simply indicative of proper activity in the keratinocyte. In other words, it means the retinoid is just doing its job. This irritation typically only lasts a couple of weeks so hang in there, it gets better.
Your skin is amazing. Do you have any tried and true products the audience may not have heard of?
KK: Thank you so much. I’ve worked in this industry for over a decade and have had the opportunity to try and do so many different things over the years. It is my pleasure to be able to share them with others. My current skincare favorites are a combination of the following:
Recovery Oil from Osmosis Beauty
Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum
Skinceuticals PhytoCorrective Mist
If someone wants to see you for a consultation, how can they book with you?
KK: Please call our office at 843-405-5906, email us keli@koniveraesthetics.com or DM us on IG @koniveraesthetics.
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Have you tried tretinoin? We’ve seen some glowing results from consistent use. Let us know all your skin tips below. And be sure to listen to Keli on The HIM & HER Show here. Once you see her skin, you’ll be running for all her recommendations.
x, The Skinny Confidential team.
+ How to get the perfect complexion and glass skin.
++ Lauryn’s updated skincare routine here.
KELLI’S SKIN ROUTINE: