Does treatment of acne with Retin-A Safe?

Teens but also adults suffering from acne know that this condition is not only
unsightly, but also the outbreaks are so clearly visible there is a lot of
emotional pain that goes along with the physical suffering. The majority of
teens and adults who experience acne will go to the grocery store and
purchase a number of readily available substances that are supposed to dry
out the skin oils which cause acne, and the more well known brands have been
around for decades!

Those who are more

holistically minded may opt

for concoctions of oatmeal,

brewer’s yeast, and the

judicious application of aloe

containing balms, but by

and large teens do not

have the patience to wait

out their acne and the

faster the substance works,

the better it is and the more

popular it will become in

local high schools! One

substances that may not be

as well known for the

treatment of acne as some

others is Retin-A. Perhaps

this is due to the fact that it

is used not only in

connection with the skin

blemishes but is also

employed for other

conditions.

Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is a derivative of Vitamin A and is the
treatment of choice for comedonal acne, or whiteheads and blackheads. It
works by increasing skin cell turnover promoting the extrusion of the plugged
material in the follicle. It also prevents the formation of new comedones.
Tretinoin is also the only topical medication that has been proven to improve
wrinkles.

This of course begs the question if treating acne Retin-A is safe or whether
this over the counter formula should be considered as one of the questionable
medicines and drugs that may work for some, while at the same time carrying
serious risks. Closer examination of the substance showcases that it is widely
used for a plethora of skin conditions, especially lip lines and stretch marks,
but that there have also been some great results reported by those suffering
from acne.

The operating word in this statement is “some” because although Retin-A has
found a lot of applications in and around skin care and beautification, the
actual diminishing of acne outbreaks is only sometimes accomplished by some
sufferers, but it is far from being an across the board result of applying the
substance to the skin. Those suffering from only minor acne are considered to
be the most likely candidates for finding that Retin-A cream will have positive
results, while those with severe acne see little, if any, changes in their
appearance.

So, is treating acne with Retin-A safe? Seeing that women have been known to
use it during pregnancy to ward of the possibility of stretch marks, and
considering that it is sold over the counter, the odds are good that there is little
harm in trying the drug for your case of acne. Yet beware! There is also
prescription strength of Retin-A; this formulation of the drug has a different
makeup and thus might indeed have side effects associated with its use.

In such cases it is wise to consult with a doctor prior to starting a treatment
regimen. This is specifically indicated if you are currently taking prescription or
over the counter medicines for other ailments and needs to be disclosed to
your physician immediately! Although by and large thought to be safe, the
purchase of online prescription strength drugs without an actual prescription or
doctor supervision is highly discouraged.

Here are some guidelines that may make it easier to take this great medicine.

Apply Retin-A in a thin layer at night. A small amount goes a long way.
In the morning wash your face with a mild facial scrub or rough wash
cloth. This will help reduce the noticeable flaking.
After washing, apply a good water-based moisturizer. Yes, guys, this
applies to you too. The moisturizer will make the drying effect of the
medicine more tolerable.
If flaking occurs during the day use a wash cloth to remove it and apply
more moisturizer, or just apply moisturizer.
Try using a moisturizer that also contains a sunscreen. If not, apply
sunscreen anytime you are in the sun even for a short amount of time.
Tretinoin makes you more susceptible to sunburn.
When you first start using Retin-A, apply it every other night or every 3rd
night. The flaking and irritation side effects are usually the worst in the
first 2 weeks of application. As your skin adjusts to the medicine, you
can apply it more frequently.
If you notice an increase in the irritation or flaking, it's ok to take a break
for a couple of days. Just don't stop completely without consulting your
health care provider!

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