Acne and Retin-A (Tretinoin) | Retin-A Micro Gel for Pimples, Cysts and Blackheads

Retin-A and Acne

There are many acne skin care products promising that they are the best acne treatment. Acne free solutions, promising to get rid of acne, include both lotions, creams and gels. Retin-A is a brand name for a drug used to treat acne vulgaris. It may not be the perfect acne solution for everyone, but it does help a lot of people.

Acne treatment products are everywhere. There are systems such as Proactive. There are devices such as Zeno. But if these don't help, you may need something stronger. When you start to use Retin-A, as with some other acne remedies, your acne may actually get worse, before it gets better. You may also notice a lot of redness and peeling. In general, it can take several weeks before there is an improvement in the skin. This isn't some magic acne free clear skin treatment. Among the side effects you may experience during that time are redness, blushing, flushing, itching, peeling, burning, stinging, flaking and irritation. It may take two to seven weeks to see positive results and a clearing of the acne vulgaris.

The active ingredient is tretinoin. Tretinoin is part of another class of drugs called retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives. Another example of a tretinoid is Renova, which is more commonly used for signs of aging skin such as wrinkles and age spots. Retinoids, such as Retin-A, unplug pores, and allow other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. Some may also help decrease the formation of comedones or pimples. These drugs contain an altered form of vitamin A. Other examples of are adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac).

How does Retin-A work?

How do tretinoids and Retin-A work for acne blemish control? No one is exactly sure. But the drugs seem to loosens existing acne plugs that are beneath the skin. As a result, the plugs are pushed out and shed onto your skin's surface, where they can be removed. Tretinoids also keep skin cells from sticking together, so that new plugs won't form. The hoped-for result of all this is a reduction in the pimples, zits, blackheads, whiteheads and pustules that we associate with acne.

Retin-A is available in different forms, including liquid, cream, and gel. Retin-A Micro is a form of Retin-A. It looks like a cream, but it is actually an oil free gel. It was designed with microsponges or microspheres, so that it will work like a time-released version of Retin-A, in order to reduce skin irritation.

How to use Retin-A

Your doctor will tell you how often to apply Retin-A. For example, you may use it once a day at bedtime. Or you may start out using it only every other day or even less often. You should follow the directions for your prescription carefully. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Before applying Retin-A, make sure your skin is clean. But you should avoid cleansers with alcohol, as well as astringents or any other cleansers that burn on contact. It's also important that you don't use other medications on your face, unless specifically told to do so by your doctor. You should apply Retin-A with either clean fingertips or use a gauze pad. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication.

Retin_A and sun protection

When using Retin-A your skin will be extremely sensitive to sun exposure and sunburn. It is important that you use sun protection, either sunscreen with a high SPF or sun-protective clothing. You may also experience dryness, redness itching and/or burning. In addition, skin may be more easily injured, so you should avoid doing things such as waxing or shaving skin treated with Retin-A. You should also avoid getting Retin-A in your eyes, mouth, nose or lips.

If your skin gets very dry or blistered, call your doctor right away. If you are pregnant, if you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using any acne medication. Retin-A is available in different strengths, and you may be told to use a milder strength. For example, instead of using 0.1% Retin-A, you may get better results using 0.04% strength Retin-A.

Wrinkles

Some studies have shown that retinoids such as Retin-A can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, Retin-A may be too drying and irritating for many older types of skin. Another tretinoid is Renova may be more appropriate for wrinkles and liver spots. For deep wrinkles or other aging skin issues cosmetic surgery such as laser cosmetic surgery, or facial cosmetic surgery such as a face lift or cosmetic fillers may be more appropriate.

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Updated June 2009

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