Rejuvenation of Your Skin with Glycolic Acid and Retin A Cream

George Woodbury
10 minutes ago
3 min read

by Memphis Dermatologist George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (07/06/2025)

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury explaining Glycolic Acid-containing GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Big River Silk Skincare staff

Summer has arrived, so now’s a great time to think about how to rejuvenate your smile. The good news is that Dermatologists now have a growing number of prescription and over-the-counter options to manage what’s called Photoaging, for Rejuvenation of your skin.

Couple applying broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields the skin's Epidermis from both UVA and UVB rays which cause Skin Cancer and premature aging of the skin — Couple applying Broad-spectrum Sunscreen while at the beach

Many of us enjoy outdoor sports, like tennis, golf, running, or cycling. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 50 or higher can really help us to avoid ultraviolet damage, provided that the sunscreen is applied every two hours when out between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Use of a hat, wearing sun-protective clothing, and planning your vacation activities towards the beginning or end of the day are also good measures.

Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Antiwrinkle Cream Glycolic Acid-containing GlycoShea Hand&Body Lotion — Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Glycolic Acid-containiing Antiwrinkle Cream GlycoShea Hand&Body Cream

Dermatologists also several topical agents to help people who have had prior damage from ultraviolet light, a topical agent being one that is applied on top of the skin. Alpha-hydroxy acid creams and lotions particularly those with Glycolic Acid are also often a good place to start, improving skin color, texture, and tone. Glycolic Acid was originally discovered in sugarcane and sugar beets, an effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid that penetrates into the layers of the skin, starting with the Epidermis.

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is what's called an Exfoliating Moisturizer because its Glycolic Acid improves skin color, texture, and tone while moisturizing — Glycolic Acid and Refined Shea Butter are the active agents in Big River Silk Skincare's GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion

A company of which I am the President, Big River Silk™ Skincare, offers GlycoShea™ Hand and Body Lotion and GlycoShea™ Face&Neck Lotion, what are called Exfoliating Moisturizers, with Refined Shea Butter and Glycolic Acid, to promote Rejuvenation of the Epidermis of the skin. We now manufacture both of these products in cream, oil, and lotion, in both Standard Strength and High Strength.

Exfoliating moisturizers like GlycoShea Hand&Body Lotion both lubricate your skin and improve skin color, texture and tone through their Alpha Hydroxy Acid ingredients — Couple applying Refined Shea Butter moisturizer to lubricate

For more severe issues with wrinkled and skin blotchiness from prior sun exposure, prescription Retinoid products like Tretinoin Cream and Gel (Retin A® Micro Gels) and Renova® are helpful in both managing skin conditions like acne and rosacea, but also in reversing wrinkling. Another option is creams or lotions containing antioxidant chemicals like Vitamin C, Green Tea, or Vitamin B3.

Cordova Dermatologist
Dr. George Woodbury is a specialist in the Skin, the Hair, and the Nails — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels a teen about Photoaging

There are several more aggressive office treatments for dealing with photoaging (wrinkling and premature aging of the skin). Chemical peels are office-based treatments using alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, or else trichloracetic acid or resorcinol preparations, helping to reverse wrinkling and to improve skin texture and tone. Sometimes Dermatologists use Botox® injections or injections of fillers like Restylane® to help with wrinkling. Sometimes laser therapy or dermabrasion or even surgical approaches such as face lifts are indicated for people with more severe issues. We offer chemical peels at Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, and laser therapy and dermabrasion are available through plastic surgeons or cosmetic dermatologists.

Rejuvenation starts with avoidance of UV rays and improves with use of Glycolic Acid and Retin A Cream — Couple applying Exfoliating Moisturizer to promote skin Rejuvenation for Summer of 2025

All of these measures – be they topical agents like Glycolic Acid or office treatments like chemical peels or injections – work best when used as part of a management program for Photoaging. These measures are not an instant cure for photoaging, and it takes three to six months of use to see positive results. The first step is often to get a consultation with the doctor to find what agent or combination of agents is best suited to help one’s individual situation.