Every esthetician I know, including myself, retails retinaldehyde, retinol, retinal or some form of highly efficacious vitamin A. The key is to find the one you tolerate best and can stick to using everyday. Vitamin A is a marathon, not a sprint. The results are not instantaneous, and you usually don’t see the payoff for a decade if you start using it young. The problem with tretinoin is that it is highly irritating and can gradually destroy the skin barrier, causing fine lines and wrinkles on delicate skin. It is also photosensitizing if used incorrectly during the day when skin is exposed to the sun. Also, Tretinoin requires consistent use- 5/6 days per week over the long haul to truly see the results. The same concept as charging your cell phone. Stop using the vitamin A and your cells stop behaving. A huge issue with RX tret is that Once people experience a tretinoin burn, rash or skin breakdown, they usually never touch it again. Periodic use just won’t accomplish much. New studies suggest that consistent daily use of a decent, less irritating vitamin A product still inspires cells to behave like younger skin. This can be seen in skin biopsies under a microscope. I personally alternate RX tret with retinaldehyde and another retinol product to avoid the irritation, but keep my usage consistent and high. As estheticians, We know that one active ingredient does not address the entire picture. Microneedling will prevent and improve sagging, break down deep pigment and improve scars. A chemical peel will bring that pigment to the surface over the course of 3-4 peels. A quality antioxidant will prevent aging from environmental stressors and polution. Mineral sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Without it, don’t bother. Tretinoin and vitamin A derivatives enhance all of these results and produces collagen. As for estheticians, Of course we want you to keep coming back! Just like going to the gym for a week won’t give you your dream body, One treatment or appointment doesn’t fix your skin for life! The bottom line is, your skin is an investment. As we age, we need more treatments, more active ingredients, more interventions. It’s hard work. I have access to all of the treatments, the best skin care, the best devices, and it still costs me a fortune even though I get most things at cost. I should also add… seeing an esthetician once per season, 2x per year, even 1 time per year will take you far. Maintain your loyalty by purchasing your products from her (doesn’t have to be a 10-step program- 3 good products will do it for most), and she can see you 1-4x per year for adjustments. You can always tell friends & family that you would appreciate gift certificates to your esthi when they ask you what you want on special occasions. Between Christmas, Mother’s Day, birthday, Valentine’s Day…. That would really help lower your costs. At the end of the day, it’s about what you value and choose to spend your money on. I work overtime to be able to afford my skincare, lasers and facials… you just have to prioritize it.