The five actives in Anti-Aging S are not simply combined — they are synergistically selected so that each component amplifies the others:

Tretinoin + Estriol act on collagen from complementary angles: tretinoin stimulates new collagen synthesis and blocks collagen-degrading MMPs via RAR-mediated gene transcription; estriol increases procollagen production and independently suppresses MMP-1 via estrogen receptor signaling. Together, they attack collagen loss through two distinct receptor pathways simultaneously. Estriol's hydrating effects also counterbalance tretinoin's tendency to cause initial dryness and desquamation, improving tolerability and consistency of use.

Vitamin C + Alpha Lipoic Acid form a self-sustaining antioxidant cycle: alpha lipoic acid continuously regenerates oxidized vitamin C back to its active ascorbate form, while vitamin C itself cycles other oxidized antioxidants. This mutual regeneration means both ingredients remain active for longer after application, extending the formula's antioxidant protection window well beyond what either molecule achieves in isolation.

Tretinoin + Vitamin C provide dual-pathway collagen stimulation: tretinoin via nuclear RAR signaling, vitamin C via hydroxylation enzyme cofactor activity. Two distinct biochemical requirements for collagen synthesis, both addressed in a single application.

Sodium Hyaluronate functions as the tolerability anchor for the entire formula — maintaining dermal hydration during tretinoin-driven cell turnover, buffering the acidic pH of the antioxidant actives, and sustaining the skin barrier through which all other ingredients must penetrate.

With consistent nightly use as part of a supervised skincare protocol, Anti-Aging S supports:

Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and improvement in deeper wrinkle depth and structure

Improved skin firmness, elasticity, and structural resilience

Accelerated skin cell turnover and refinement of skin texture, tone, and surface smoothness

Increased dermal collagen density through dual-pathway stimulation

Reduction of hyperpigmentation, sunspots, mottled skin tone, and UV-induced discoloration

Reversal of estrogen-related skin thinning, dryness, and laxity — particularly relevant in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients

Deep dermal hydration and improved moisture retention

Neutralization of UV-induced oxidative damage and reduction of ongoing free radical burden

Protection of existing collagen from enzymatic degradation

More radiant, even, and youthful-appearing complexion over time

Results vary by individual. Initial improvements in hydration and texture are typically noticed within 2–4 weeks. Collagen remodeling, wrinkle reduction, and pigmentation correction develop over 8–12 weeks of consistent use, with continued improvement through 6 months.

Anti-Aging S is for evening / bedtime use only. Tretinoin is photolabile and degrades with UV exposure; daytime use reduces efficacy. Tretinoin also increases photosensitivity — morning application followed by sun exposure can cause significant skin irritation and sunburn at doses lower than would otherwise affect untreated skin. Always apply at night.

Application Instructions:

Cleanse the face thoroughly and pat dry. Allow skin to dry completely for 10–15 minutes before applying — applying tretinoin-containing products to damp skin increases penetration and risk of irritation, particularly during the initial weeks.

Dispense a small amount (a pea-sized quantity covers the full face) onto fingertips.

Apply in a thin, even layer to the face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area, corners of the nose, and lip margins where skin is thinnest and most reactive.

Allow to absorb fully before applying any other products. If additional moisturizer is desired, apply after the cream has been absorbed.

Wash hands thoroughly after application.

Starting Protocol — Managing the Retinoid Adjustment Period: Tretinoin-containing products can cause an initial adjustment period of 2–4 weeks during which mild redness, flaking, or sensitivity may occur as epidermal cell turnover accelerates. This is expected and transient — not an allergic reaction. To minimize initial irritation:

Begin with every-other-night application for the first 2 weeks, then increase to nightly as tolerated.

Ensure morning moisturizer and SPF are applied consistently.

Avoid other exfoliating actives (AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide) during the adjustment period unless directed by your provider.

Morning Routine Requirement: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is mandatory during tretinoin therapy. Tretinoin increases UV sensitivity — unprotected sun exposure during treatment significantly increases the risk of sunburn, irritation, and paradoxical hyperpigmentation. This is not optional.

This is a prescription-only compounded medication. It contains tretinoin, a potent retinoid, and estriol, a topical estrogen. Patients should be fully counseled on appropriate use before initiating therapy.

Contraindications:

Pregnancy: Tretinoin is teratogenic — it causes birth defects when absorbed systemically in sufficient quantities. While systemic absorption from topical facial tretinoin at standard doses is very low, it is not zero. Anti-Aging S is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of reproductive age should use reliable contraception during treatment and discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs or is planned.

Breastfeeding: Safety of topical tretinoin and topical estriol during lactation has not been established. Use is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Known retinoid sensitivity or allergy: Patients with documented sensitivity to tretinoin, other retinoids, or any component of the formulation should not use this product.

Active eczema, rosacea, or severely compromised skin: Tretinoin should not be applied to actively inflamed, broken, sunburned, or acutely irritated skin. Initiate treatment only on intact, stable skin.

Hormone-sensitive conditions: Estriol is an estrogen. Although its systemic absorption via facial application is minimal, patients with a personal history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or other hormone-sensitive malignancies should discuss use with their oncologist before initiating therapy. The risk from topical facial estriol at low concentrations is generally considered low, but the decision requires individualized medical judgment.

Potential Side Effects:

Tretinoin-related (most common, particularly early in treatment):

Mild to moderate redness, peeling, dryness, or flaking — expected during the retinoid adjustment period; typically resolves within 2–4 weeks

Increased skin sensitivity to wind, cold, and heat

Temporary worsening of skin appearance during initial cell turnover phase ("purging") — distinct from an allergic reaction

Estriol-related:

Mild local skin sensitivity in patients with reactive skin

Theoretical risk of minimal systemic estrogenic effect (breast tenderness, spotting) if significant systemic absorption occurs; this is uncommon with low-concentration facial estriol but should be reported to your provider if it occurs

Alpha lipoic acid:

Mild sulphurous odor on application in some formulations — transient and cosmetically insignificant

Rare skin sensitization in patients with highly reactive skin

General:

Worsening of photosensitivity — managed by strict daily SPF use

Contact dermatitis in patients with allergy to any formula component

Seek medical evaluation if you experience: persistent severe burning or swelling beyond the normal adjustment period, signs of allergic contact dermatitis (spreading rash, blistering), unexpected systemic symptoms, or any change in a pre-existing pigmented lesion.

Other topical retinoids (adapalene, tazarotene, retinol): Combining multiple retinoid-class products dramatically increases irritation risk without proportional benefit. Do not use other retinoid products concurrently without explicit provider direction.

Topical exfoliating acids (AHAs: glycolic, lactic, mandelic; BHAs: salicylic acid): Combining with tretinoin can cause excessive irritation and barrier disruption. Avoid concurrent use, particularly during the initial adjustment period.

Benzoyl peroxide: Oxidizes tretinoin on contact, inactivating it. Do not apply benzoyl peroxide and this product on the same evening. If benzoyl peroxide is part of your regimen, discuss scheduling with your provider.

Photosensitizing medications (certain antibiotics — doxycycline, fluoroquinolones; thiazide diuretics; amiodarone): May additively increase photosensitivity during tretinoin therapy. Discuss with your provider and maintain strict sun protection.

Topical corticosteroids: Concurrent use on the face is generally discouraged and should only occur under specific provider direction.

Store at room temperature, 68°F – 77°F (20°C – 25°C), away from direct heat, light, and humidity

Keep container tightly closed

Do not freeze

Tretinoin is light-sensitive — keep the product in its original container and avoid exposure to sunlight or bright light

Keep out of reach of children

Use before the labeled expiration date