Tretinoin

Tretinoin is used to treat skin blemishes and acne. Tretinoin is used topically on the skin. It is available in the form of cream and gels in different strengths.

Tretinoin is a retinoid. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A and therefore their action is very similar to Vitamin A. Tretinoin can cause some side effects but its benefits outweigh the side effects.

How Tretinoin acts-
Tretinoin repairs the damage to the skin by rapidly renewing the skin cells. The turnover of skin cells increase with continued use of Tretinoin and the old blemishes slowly disappear, because the new skin does not have the earlier defects.

Topical tretinoin is used for treatment of sun damage, fine wrinkles and lines, blotches and acne. Tretinoin is one of the most effective medicines for acne. It removes the skin oils and stops acne formation by rapidly removing the old skin cells.

Tretinoin should be used daily or on alternate days at bedtime. Tretinoin may have to be used for a year or more to remove all the skin imperfections.

Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to sun. Therefore while using tretinoin, sun protection is necessary. Tretinoin also dries the skin and a moisturizer may need to be used to keep skin supple.

You should talk to your doctor about the oral Vitamins you may be taking. If you are taking oral Vitamin A that may cause problems. Tretinoin may also cause itching and redness if it is used along with products that contain skin-drying agents such as Sulphur, alcohol, etc.