Retin-A for Acne

Good nutrition is very vital for many aspects of our physiology, and it isn’t only for sickness prevention or survival, but looking good also depends in some way on what we eat.  Our skin for requires food that contains vitamin A to maintain suppleness and fitness.  So if eating food with this vitamin can help the skin, what more can a derivative of it achieve when applied directly on the skin?  This is the principle behind Retin-A, a vitamin A derivative containing the retinoid tretinoin.  Retin-A is probably the best product in the market when it comes to skin care, and this is surprising since it’s been around for over 25 years.  So what can it do?

First let’s discuss what retinoids are.  These chemicals are similar to Vitamin A in chemical composition and are helpful in the development epithelial cells.  Research is being done regarding the benefits retinoids can have on eyesight, bones, and cancer.  There are many kinds of retinoids and in terms of skin care, they can be applied either topically or ingested.  The main ingredient in Retin-A is the retinoid tretinoin, and this makes this great skin treatment effective against acne.  By pushing the stuff plugging pores to the surface, comedones are easily exfoliated off the skin during cleansing.  Since it doesn’t kill the bacteria itself, it makes for a great combination with other treatments.

After all these years, it’s still one of the most recommended acne fighters and it even has an additional effect.  Retin-A contains retinoic acid, a substance that reduces the signs of aging by improving wrinkles.  Some people may confuse Retin-A with retinol, but the latter still needs to be transformed into retinoic acid by the skin.  Hence, Retin-A is more effective than others in this regard as well, with the studies to confirm it.

Most of the complaints associated with this product state that people break out more and look worse than before they started using Retin-A.  It’s unfortunate that people stop their treatments due to this reason.  This is a natural reaction for most, and the acne subsides a few weeks later.  Other side-effects can also be managed by the help of your doctor.  These include swelling, redness, and even cracking skin.  One cause of these however, can be over application of the product.  Some people only need apply Retin-A once every other day.  In some cases, more isn’t better. So follow instructions carefully and work closely with your physician.  It takes several weeks for its true effects to be noticed, so it pays to be patient.

To help with possible drying of skin, use non-comedogenic moisturizers 20 minutes after application of Retin-A.  Some people may not be compatible with the product.  Retin- A should not be used on skin with rosacea and pregnant women especially should stay away.  Retin-A is not as bad as orally ingested retinoids when it comes to affecting the fetus, but when it comes to someone’s baby, all precautions must be taken.  Another reason Retin-A might not be for you is the price, as it set you back as much as several hundred dollars a year.  Generic products, however, are a little more affordable.  If you can afford the higher end creams though, go for it.  They work better and are well worth the cost.

Return to Acne Treatment Guide Main Page

Text copyright 2010 AcneTreatmentGuideSite.com and may not be reproduced without consent. This is not the official web page of any of the products or places listed on this site, this is a review page created by an individual. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment.