A type of vitamin A, topical retinoids are a prescription acne medication used for mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne. They effectively clear pores, allowing other topical medications like antibiotics to enter the hair shaft and fight acne.
Some topical retinoids offer the added benefit of minimizing the signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. As with other topical acne medications, retinoids are available in creams, gels and liquid form.
Retinoids also help acne treatment by reducing acne outbreaks and preventing dead skin cells from blocking pores. Retinoids can, however, cause irritation and increased sun sensitivity. So be sure to use sun protection and follow your doctor's advice.
Types of Topical Retinoids
Adapalene
Applied as a cream or gel, Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that unclogs pores. Adapalene also displays a range of moderate to potent anti-inflammatory actions.
It usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks to see improvements in your skin's appearance. Secondary effects can include mild skin irritation and / or dry skin.
Tazarotene
Proven as an effective skin care solution for treating acne, this artificial retinoid is available in a gel or cream form and works by maintaining your skin pores clear. You can experience some skin irritation.
Women who are pregnant must not use this medication and effective contraception is needed during a course of tazarotene therapy because it has produced birth defects in animals.
Tretinoin
A natural retinoid and the first developed for topical use, tretinoin slowly unplugs pores and keeps them unplugged. This both avoids new comedones (blocked pores that produce whiteheads and blackheads) from appearing, and permits a topical antibiotic to enter the follicle and continue the curing process from within.
People in the past have found tretinoin too harsh for their skin. Today, however, newer, less irritating formulas are available. Secondary effects can include redness, itching, scaling, dryness and burning.
If you experience any of these secondary effects, talk to your doctor. By working with you to regulate the amount and frequency of tretinoin you use, the doctor can help you decrease the side effects and speed up the curing process.
Temporary Side Effects
Sometimes, after the first application of a topical retinoid medication, your skin can look worse before it gets better. It is not rare to experience peeling, scaling, stinging, burning, redness or skin discoloration. These secondary effects commonly recede or go away after the product is used for a period of time. Ask your doctor what to expect. If you experience severe side effects you must contact your doctor as soon as possible and review the course of treatment.
Follow the Instructions
It is always important to follow your doctor's advice on how to use the medicine and how often to apply it. Overuse can lead to skin irritation and in some cases other side effects.
Recuperate and maintain your skin's hydration and tone by using our natural skin care product, designed to nourish your skin while a getting rid of all kinds of blemishes and scars.
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