Vitamin A (retinol) has been a premier ingredient in the skin care and medical industries and the popular focus of many studies for decades. It's regarded as one of the key substances capable of effecting changes within our dermis (secondary skin layer).

In 1978, Dr. Albert Kligman, however, introduced Retin A-a genetically modified derivative of retinol for the treatment of acne. Soon after his discovery, more formulas claiming to reverse aging and banish wrinkles were targeted at an aging market. Not to be confused with retinol, Retin A causes side effects such as detergent-like irritation, sensitivity to UV radiation, oxidation, liver disease and nerve disorders.

Retinoids are present in all living organisms and are required for a vast number of biological processes, including vision, cellular growth and reproduction. They are also essential for healing tissue, cancer, pigment and acne. Research shows that we are proficiently capable of producing retinoids naturally, albeit not in abundance, without needing Retin A.

So, is there an advantage to using the drug? Should it be promoted by doctors and scientists as a daily cure to defend against the tribulations of aging regardless of the toxic risks?

There are many doctors citing research and expressing concern about the
daily use of Retin A. James A. Hayward, PhD, DSc, president of Applied DNA Sciences, has concluded that the daily use of Retin A results in inflammatory responses leading to skin matrix degradation and collagen breakdown. Peter T. Pugliese, MD, author of Advanced Professional Skin Care (Apsc Publishing, 1991) and Physiology of the Skin II (Allured Pub Corp, 2001) has spoken about his concerns regarding daily inflammation leading to thinning of the skin.

Ben Johnson, MD, president of Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare, has cited
research from a multitude of studies showing the chronic use of Retin A inflames the skin and causes increased sun sensitivity, a stripped lipid and corneocyte barrier, increasing environmental toxin absorption and the depletion of nutrients and collagen in the dermis.

As for long-term effects, Drs. E. H. Yob and P. E. Pochi of Boston University state, "The experience to date has been incomplete; there remains imprecise information as to the incidence and the persistence of toxic effects after drug withdrawal."

So are the affects of synthetic Retin A worth the risk? We may not know for years to come; however, I am inclined to believe that we shouldn't take any risks if we do not need to, especially since we have natural alternatives for skin healing that are just as effective and clearly much safer for everyday use.

[Karen V. Bowers, the founder of New Visage Advanced Skin Care and Anti-Aging, has 33 years of international training in natural skin care. For more information about her Vancouver office, treatments or to browse her online boutique visit www.newvisage.ca.]

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