Ask Dr. Schultz
Can I use Retin-A on my hands for anti-aging?
I have been using Retin-A 0.05% on my skin for 6 months, with great success in my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from past acne, and my skin has been handling it very well with no irritation. I have been wondering if I could use the same Retin-A strength on my hands as an anti-aging measure. I do have a big 2nd degree burn scar on my right hand (the burn happened when I was 2 years old), would that cause any problems with the Retin-A?
The question you raise about your hands is very important as so many women put all their anti-aging efforts into their face and forget about their hands which in their 40s and 50s give away their real age.
While Retin-A is very good for the reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), as an anti-aging chemical it’s a little brittle (i.e., the skin on the back of your hands is more sensitive to potential irritation and photosensitization from Retin-A than your face). As a targeted anti-aging program for your hands, I recommend Glycolic products (instead of Retin-A), topical Vitamin C as antioxidant, and of course, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 30 with UVA protection.
The second degree burn scar is only a factor in crying out for effective sun-protection since it has no melanocytes to help with extra natural sun protection and for the same reason is more susceptible to sunburn and photo-aging.