Retin-A

Retin-A (Tretinoin)

I. Definition:

Tretinoin skin preparations are a family of drugs all similar to Vitamin A. In general, tretinoin gels are stronger than tretinoin creams because the medicine penetrates better when in a gel form. Tretinoin is used to treat acne and aged, sun damaged skin. Tretinoin works best when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacid preparations. If used over a period of years, tretinoin will continue to reverse aging of the skin and can continue improving the skin’s appearance even ten years after starting treatment.

A study in the Archives of Dermatology, May 1996, shows that 0.1% tretinoin significantly improves the appearance of early stretch marks. Tretinoin works best on stretch marks that are new or enlarging.

II. Action:

Unplugs acne follicles and brings acne pimples (comedones) to the surface. This is why tretinoin makes acne look worse in the first few weeks of treatment.
Will reverse some of the changes of photoaging. Causes lightening of brown sun spots and leads to the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

III. Side Effects:

Tretinoin makes the skin more sensitive to sun light (easier to get a sun burn).
Tretinoin causes dryness, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin. These side effects lessen with time.

IV. Alternatives To Retin-A:

Acnezine is a natural alternative to Retin-A that can be as effective in treating acne and clearing up skin.

V. Safety:

Tretinoin is very safe when used as directed. Several studies show tretinoin is safe to use during pregnancy, however you should only use tretinoin during pregnancy if this is OK with your obstetrician.
Do not smoke while applying tretinoin, the gel form is flammable.

VI. How To Use:

You should wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil lotion available at your local pharmacy. Pat skin dry with a towel. Let your face dry for 10-15 minutes before applying tretinoin. Apply one pea size drop to the face each night before bed; do not get the medication into your eyes. One pea size drop should be enough to cover the entire face.
Apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen of 15 or higher to the skin each morning or an alpha hydroxyacid preparation. This will help counteract the dryness and scaling. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
If the skin becomes too red and dry, decrease the application of Retin-A to every other night or even every third night.
If you plan to have hair removed by waxing, especially of the upper lip, stop the tretinoin 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with a sore area which could heal with a brown spot.

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