Retin A For Treatment
Of Acne and Aging Skin.

When most people think about acne, images of teenagers' faces riddled with whiteheads, blackheads, and red, irritated skin come to mind. However, acne is not just a side effect of puberty. It can affect everyone from infants to adults in their thirties, forties, and beyond. Acne is characterized by clogged, infected pores that create whiteheads and blackheads. These pimples often become infected and painful, and typically lead to the individual becoming self-conscious as well.

Retin A, a common treatment for acne. For over thirty years, one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for acne by medical professionals has been Retin A. Retin A is a chemical compound that contains the acne fighting ingredients of retinoic acid and tretinoin. Other ingredients have also been added to the compound that create smoothing, moisturizing effects on the skin. For this reason, Retin A is also now commonly used for cosmetic use as well, including to combat wrinkling skin, improve age discoloration spots, even out skin texture, and fade light freckles.

Retin A is effective in bringing the pore-blocking materials inside pores to the surface, where they can quickly and easily become dislodged during daily cleansing. Typically, a doctor will prescribe Retin A to be applied once daily after a thorough cleansing of the skin. To see the full benefits of Retin A, the user should use this medication, typically in a gel or cream form, for at least seven weeks exactly as prescribed. Over time, the outermost later of the skin will thin and additional growth of underlying skin layers will take place. Essentially, Retin A causes a light chemical peel of the skin as well as a natural exfoliation, both of which enhance collagen production. The end result is decreased acne and a smoother, more youthful appearance. Because the process takes place over an extended time, users will need to apply Retin A daily as prescribed to enjoy the full effects.

Retin A side effects. Retin A is a seeming miracle drug for those fighting acne as well as for men and women who want to retain or regain a youthful appearance. Yet this medication is not without its side effects. Upon initial use, many users may notice additional skin breakouts, and the effects of a mild sunburn including irritation and light facial peeling. A few users have even complained of excessive redness, dryness, and blistering during the first two weeks of use, as well as signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and hives. If these more severe effects occur, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately. For most users of Retin A, however, the side effects are mild and manageable, and will fade over time with continued use.

People that should not use Retin A. People with eczema as well as other chronic skin conditions, or women who are or may become pregnant should not take this medication. Retin A is known to cause birth defects. There are certain medications which will interact negatively with Retin A. These include diuretics, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, demeclocycline, various antiobiotics, sulfa drugs, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, perphenazine, and some others. Consult with your physician for other drugs that you may be using that may cause a harmful reaction with Retin A.

Whether you are fighting acne, are concerned about the signs of aging skin, or have discolorations or uneven skin, talk to your doctor about the benefits of using Retin A.