Mature Skin and Acne (#4)

Dr. Irwin
March 4, 2011

Now for prescription topicals! We did non-prescription topicals (creams & lotions) last week.

I still think the gold standard is Renova or the generic tretinoin. Renova is better, in my opinion, even though it’s more expensive, because it’s formulated in a moisturizing base that doesn’t irritate mature skin. But if you’re very oily, you might do fine with generic tretinoin, which is cheaper. Renova unplugs pores, causes natural exfoliation, and has an anti-wrinkle and anti-skin cancer effect. It’s hard to beat.

Also well tolerated by mature skin are creams/gels based on azeleic acid like Azelex or Finacea. Clindamycin (a topical antibiotic) tends to also be friendly to mature skin. You’ll see lots of acne medications with benzoyl peroxide in them. For mature skin, I would save anything with benzoyl peroxide in it for spot treating.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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