What Is Retin-A?
Retin-A (tretinoin) is a topical retinoid commonly used to treat acne. It is applied to all areas affected by breakouts and helps reduce the formation of pore blockages.Other tretinoin medications work similarly to Retin-A and are sold under the brand names Retin-A Micro, Avita, Renova. Generic tretinoin is also available.
What Are the Side Effects of Retin-A?
Retin-A has been used safely by many people. Of course, like any medication, it can cause side effects. Dryness, redness, skin irritation and peeling are the most common.Retin-A can also cause sun sensitivity, which means you'll need to wear sunscreen every day.
What Else Is Retin-A Used For?
Retin-A isn't only used as an acne treatment. Tretinoin medications are also used quite often as an anti-aging treatment. People with adult acne often love tretinoin because of this added benefit.Another nice feature of tretinoin treatment is that it can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If pimples often leave dark discolorations on your skin, even after they have healed, Retin-A may be able to help fade these marks.
Who Should Not Use Retin-A?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Retin-A, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.Those with eczema might want to forgo this medication, too. Applying Retin-A over eczema-affected skin can cause severe irritation.
There may be other instances in which Retin-A is not advisable. In that case, your dermatologist can offer other treatment options that will be a better fit for you.
Help! Retin-A is Making Me Peel!
Most people who use Retin-A will experience dryness and peeling to some extent. But with a little extra care on your part, you can limit irritation and reduce discomfort.Make sure you are using your medication as directed (more is not better!) Use gentle, non-medicated cleansers. A moisturizer will go a long way in soothing tight, dry skin too.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Like any acne medication, Retin-A takes time to work. Waiting for improvement is hard, but it can take six weeks (or longer) to see a noticeable difference. Your skin may actually seem to get worse for a period of time.After your skin has cleared up, you will probably have to continue to use your Retin-A treatment -- although less frequently -- to keep breakouts from returning.
