Treatments For Acne:
Contraceptive Hormones
 

Using Retin-A To Treat Acne
 

Retin-A (Also sold as Avita) is a derivative of Vitamin A and is used for treating acne, whiteheads and blackheads. It works by increasing skin cell turnover, which means the hair follicle gets cleared of the material blocking it, and prevents formation of new blemishes.

While Retin-A can prove very effective for many users, it has its disadvantages in that it has noticeable side effects that many people find difficult to live with. For this reason, many people stop using Retin-A too early, thinking it isn’t working, or is too uncomfortable. It may in fact take 6-9 weeks to see a noticeable difference in your acne and for things to settle down.  If you feel any of the side effects are becoming too uncomfortable or severe to tolerate, see your doctor.

Sometimes confused with Retin-A, a similar product, Renova contains the same active ingredient as Retin-A, but has a different emollient base which is designed to reduce signs of the ageing process in older, drier skin, rather than to treat oil-loaded acne-ridden skin.

 

Side Effects of Retin-A

Flaking, chapping or peeling of skin.

Burning feeling, stinging or tingling of skin.

Lightening of skin.

Darkening treated skin.

Redness of skin.

Unusual dryness of skin.

Unusually warm skin.

The side effects will go away after you stop using Retin-A. On the rare chance that your skin color changes, this effect may last for several months before your skin color returns to normal.

Sun exposure, wind and cold weather may upset the effective working of Retin-A, as well as make your skin more susceptible to damage. Be careful to protect the areas you’re treating from these conditions, especially during the first 6 months of use.  Use of a high factor sun block and other protective clothing may help.  It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use any form of sunbed!

Tips for Using Retin-A

• Use Retin-A in a thin layer at night, when you’re not using any other topical acne product.

• You can reduce the flaking that will occur with the use of Retin-A by using a mild facial scrub or rough wash cloth. If flaking occurs during the day use a wash cloth to remove it.

• Always use a good water-based moisturizer after cleansing. and apply more moisturizer, or just apply moisturizer. If you have to wash several times a day, re-apply moisturiser as well.

• 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.

•  
  Retin-A should not be used during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding.
   

Retin-A should ideally be prescribed by your dermatologist, but if you insist on by-passing him/her:

Retin-A 0.1% Gel from Super Saver Meds

Retin-A from ePharmacies.com

Retin-A from XLPharmacy.com

Comparison of Acne Prescription Drugs & Accutane Alternatives
 

	Prevention	Early Suppression	Mild-Moderate Acne	Severe Acne	Side Effect Free	Affordability
Accutane
Antibiotics
Contraceptives
Spironolactone
Retin-A
Bioherbaceutical Supplements

See Also:

Antibiotics
Contraceptives
Accutane
Spironolactone
Bioherbaceutical Medicines (Natural Accutane Alternative)