Retin-A is one of several medications doctors may prescribe for controlling acne. Retin-A contains Tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid). It comes in gel, cream or liquid form and goes on the skin.
How It Works
Retin-A helps break down cell tissues that clog the follicle or skin pores. It also helps extrude the trapped dead cells and oils out of the skin.
How Effective Is It?
In the beginning, more acne may appear. But that is because Retin-A has brought up the acne that was deep in the skin.
Because of this, it is recommended that treatment continue in spite of what appears to be lack of progress. In time, the acne condition will improve.
It may take up to twelve weeks to see a beneficial improvement in the appearance of the skin.
What Are The Side Effects?
For people who are sensitive to Retin-A their skin may become red, swollen or crusted. Some people have also experience changes in the color of their skin. These problems should go away with continued use or when treatment is discontinued.
Retin-A may cause the skin to be sensitive to natural or artificial sunlight. Therefore, while using Retin-A, doctors recommend a sunscreen to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.
How To Use
Retin-A is applied before bedtime. Wash the skin with mild soap and gently dry. Wait 20 to 30 minute before applying.
Use only enough for the affected area. More medication will not speed up the acne healing process. It takes time for Retin-A to produce results.
Keep Retin-A away from the eyes, mouth, corners of the nose and open wounds. Retin-A is for external use only and should not be taken orally.
Be sure to follow the advice and directions for use by the healthcare provider that prescribed this medication for you.
Copyright © 2007 by Leroy Chan
Over-the-counter or prescription acne medications have a price — unwanted nasty side effects sometimes harsher than acne itself… in addition, it may take weeks or months before your acne goes away — only for it to come back. buy tazarotene