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Estriol Cream with Tretinoin

Explore the benefits of Winona's Estriol Cream with Tretinoin for healthy skin in menopause and learn to apply it safely for best results.

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Written by Sarala Mahlin Korn
Updated over a week ago

About

Estriol Cream with Tretinoin is a powerful formula tailored for menopausal skin. This clinically proven cream effectively addresses signs of aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing skin renewal, and improving texture and tone.

Target menopause symptoms that impact skin health and appearance:

  • Dermal collagen loss

  • Decreased elasticity

  • Thinness & sagging skin

  • Increased fine lines & wrinkles

  • Dryness

Estriol

Estriol, a form of estrogen, plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. Estrogen levels decline with age, leading to thinner, less elastic skin. Estriol helps to counteract this process by stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin hydration. This results in firmer, more resilient skin with a youthful glow. Additionally, estriol has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating acne and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It accelerates cell turnover, helping your skin shed old, damaged cells and replacing them with new, healthy ones. This process not only helps to unclog pores but also promotes smoother, more even-toned skin. Regular use of tretinoin can lead to a significant improvement in skin texture and clarity.

Together, these ingredients work synergistically to deliver visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall health.

Benefits

Estriol Cream with Tretinoin is a convenient solution to address challenging wrinkles and fine lines, even tone, and plump and tighten the skin.

  • Boosts hydration

  • Evens tone

  • Reduces fine lines & wrinkles

  • Smooths texture

  • Promotes healthy skin cell renewal

  • Reduces signs of aging

  • Increases elasticity & firmness

  • Enhances skin health

How to Use

Apply in the evening, adhering to the following evening & morning routines:

  1. Evening prep: Gently wash and dry your face before bedtime to prepare your skin.

  2. Application: Dispense a pea-sized amount of cream onto your palm. Use your fingertip to lightly dot the cream across your face.

  3. Even distribution: Gently pat the cream onto your skin, spreading it into a thin, even layer. Follow with a good moisturizer

  4. Morning routine: In the morning, wash your face to remove the cream. Follow up with a UVA/UVB sunscreen of at least SPF 45 to protect your skin throughout the day.

Important note about sun exposure: Tretinoin can increase your skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn and irritation. To protect your skin, only apply Estriol Cream with Tretinoin at night. During the day, it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum SPF as part of your daily morning skincare routine.

1. Don't use too much too soon: Start with a pea-sized amount every other night to avoid irritation and let your skin adjust and avoid excess irritation.

2. Don't skip moisturizer: Always pair tretinoin with a gentle moisturizer to prevent dryness and flakiness.

3. Don't use during the day: Apply only at night and wear SPF 30+ daily since tretinoin increases sun sensitivity.

4. Don't apply to wet or damp skin: Wait 15–20 minutes after washing so skin is dry before applying tretinoin to reduce irritation and excess absorption.

5. Don't combine with harsh ingredients: Avoid pairing tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide, strong acids, vitamin C, or scrubs to prevent irritation.

6. Don't expect overnight results: Improvements take 6–12 weeks, and temporary breakouts (“purging”) may happen first.

7. Don't neglect your neck and hands: If tolerated, use a small amount on these areas to improve texture and signs of aging.

8. Don't use if pregnant or breastfeeding: Retinoids aren’t safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use.

9. Don't wax or use harsh hair removal methods: Avoid waxing or harsh creams, and pause tretinoin a week before hair removal.

10. Don't stop too soon: Early irritation or purging is temporary, so stick with it and adjust your routine if needed.

FAQs

Q: Why should I only use the skin care treatment in the evening?

A: It’s recommended to use tretinoin at night for these key reasons:

  • It increases your skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn and irritation; applying the cream at night reduces the exposure to harmful UV radiation.

  • Tretinoin can degrade when exposed to sunlight, compromising its effectiveness; applying the cream at night ensures the product remains stable and can work effectively to promote cell turnover and skin renewal.

  • Nighttime application allows for enhanced absorption, as the product can work uninterrupted by makeup, sunscreen, or other daytime products. This allows for maximal benefits of improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and treating acne.

  • Skin tends to be less exposed to environmental pollutants and irritants at night, providing a controlled environment that reduces the risk of irritation.

Q: Why do I need to use SPF during the day while using the cream?

A: Tretinoin can increase your skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn and irritation. To protect your skin during the day, it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum SPF as part of your morning skincare routine; this will help shield your skin from UV damage and complement the nighttime benefits of tretinoin.

Q: How should I start adding Estriol Cream with Tretinoin into my routine?

A: Gradually integrate the product into your routine, beginning with 1-2x/week in the evening. This gradual approach allows your skin time to adapt to the treatment and minimizes dryness and irritation. Make sure to follow up with a neutral moisturizer (one that does not contain any other active ingredients such as glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or retinol) the evening following your tretinoin routine, and add a hydrating SPF to your morning routine.

Q: Why does my skin feel dry or irritated after starting to use the Estriol Cream with Tretinoin?

A: Dryness is a common initial reaction when starting a tretinoin regimen. This occurs because tretinoin accelerates cell turnover, which can temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier. To help your skin adjust, try reducing your usage to every other night or even every third night.

Q: When will I see results?

Skincare with active ingredients like tretinoin and estriol requires patience and consistency. Generally, you can expect initial improvements within a few weeks, but significant results occur gradually over time.

First Few Weeks: You may notice dryness, redness, or mild irritation as your skin adjusts, so use the product as directed and allow time to adapt.

4 to 6 Weeks: Skin texture and clarity should start improving as tretinoin increases cell turnover and estriol adds hydration and plumpness.

8 to 12 Weeks: Fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness may show visible improvement, with estriol enhancing elasticity and glow.

3 to 6 Months: Consistent use leads to smoother texture, reduced wrinkles, and a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

Consistency is key, so it’s important to use the product as recommended and maintain a regular skincare routine. If your skin is not responding to tretinoin with irritation or peeling, that doesn't mean it isn't working. To see your desired results, it’s best to use the cream consistently and at a strength that your skin can tolerate, rather than increasing the strength or frequency. Results can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions.

Q: Does using estriol on my face affect how much estrogen I need in my HRT?

A: The estriol in the face cream is formulated for topical use and is designed to act locally, rather than systemically. This means it primarily affects the area where it's applied, providing benefits like increased hydration, improved skin elasticity, and a reduction in fine lines, without influencing your overall hormone levels. This means it's safe to use both the skin cream with estriol and the HRT your Winona physician has prescribed.

Q: Are there any skincare products I should not use with Estriol Cream with Tretinoin?

A: Don’t combine with other acids like vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, or Azelaic Acid. Don’t use strong physical or chemical exfoliants. It's also important not to apply Estriol Cream with Tretinoin to wet skin.

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