| How to treat acne with tretinoin
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A, the common name for tretinoin is retin A. it belongs to a group of retinoids. It is used to treat acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne.
How does it work?
Retin-A functions by decreasing the size of sebaceous glands thus reducing sebum production. Excess amount of sebum is, of course, responsible for blocking pores, which lead acne breakouts in the form of comdones.
There are other benefits too. Retin A is a highly effective skin exfoliant and aids in skin cell renewal. By removing dead skin cells, there is less sebum produces because of fewer blocked pores. This of course would mean less oil and bacteria build up on the top layer of the skin as well.
By getting rid of dead skin cells at the top layer of the skin and revealing new skin, it helps to prevent the signs of aging. . This will also help to reduce the scarring cause by the acne. In effect, its treating both the cause of acne and remnants of the acne.
What forms of tretinoin is available for acne treatment?
Essentially, there are two different types of acne treatments available with tretinoin the principal ingredient. There is a retin A cream containing tretinoin and the retinoic acid (retin a).
Retin a cream
The retin a creams usually contain strength of 5%. A well known cream for acne treatment containing retin A goes by the name, Renova.
Retinoic acid
This again requires a doctor's prescription. This is acid lotion and the prescription strength is again 5%.
What results can you expect?
Retin A (tretinoin) is one of the more effective acne removal treatments. At the 3-month point, there should be significant improvements to you appearance.
Unfortunately, most people experience worsening of the acne quite soon after starting treatment with retin a, but it usually follows with excellent results. The key here is that it requires some patience on the part of the user to derive results.
Side effects
Side effects of retin A (tretinoin) in most cases are relatively minor and do not impede people from using it. To best avoid the side effects of tretinoin it is highly recommended that you use it only in the nighttime.
Retin A can cause areas of the skin where it has been applied become very sensitive to the sun and, direct exposure to the sun can cause minor burns and skin peeling. If you are going out in the sun, wear a non-oily sun cream that will help to protect the skin from burns. Warning: If you are planning to get pregnant or you already are, you should not use retin-A. There are some indications that retin A may cause damage to an unborn foetus or possibility of birth defects.
This is mostly based on theory rather than evidence, especially given that isetretinoin (accutane), which is also a retinoid, though more powerful with much greater potency and is more systemic because it is taken orally, is a no go area for women planning to get pregnant.
Logically, therefore, retin A should also be avoided in such scenario. Minor side effects of Retin A
Here are some side effects of retin A that people often live with because they don't result in any adverse health conditions or any systemic damage and the effects are quite bearable.
- Reddish skin – this is a very likely scenario because of the strong acidic reaction with skin.
- Peeling – it's a powerful exfoliant therefore there is often some localised peeling of the skin.
- Dry skin – Often cause as a result of the above.
Here are some side effects that can result in withdrawal:
- Skin becoming extremely red after application. This often prompts users to try an alternative acne treatment.
- Some people may have skin that is extremely sensitive to retin A, which results in great levels skin irritation and burning sensations. You may be able to ask your doctor to provide something to reduce the irritation and soothe the skin as long as it is non-oily.
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