Is Tretinoin For Acne Right For You?

Tretinoin is proven in clinical studies to reduce acne, & it also is a powerful skin treatment for fine lines, pigmentation, melasma & to minimize the appearance of acne scars. However, it can take some time to see results from tretinoin.

Dermatologists use tretinoin for its comedolytic-related end benefits, which include a) normalizing exfoliation of the follicular epithelium within the pilosebaceous unit, b) preventing foilicular plugging, and c) creating an aerobic environment less conducive to P. acnes growth.
How to Use

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A and is used to treat acne, dark spots and skin roughness. It promotes skin cell turnover, unclogging pores and helps the body regulate its natural oil. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat active acne pustules.

Before using this medication, wash your hands and the affected skin area thoroughly with a mild, bland soap (not medicated or abrasive) and pat dry. Wait 20-30 minutes before applying this medicine, since if you apply it while the skin is still damp, it may irritate it.

Apply a thin layer of this medication to the affected areas of your face once daily, at bedtime. Do not apply it to your lips, eyes or mouth, or the corners of your nose and mouth. One pea-sized amount is sufficient for the entire face. If you are unsure how much to apply, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions

While using this medication, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV light (including sunlamps and tanning beds). This can cause sunburn and skin irritation. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, use a sunscreen with a high SPF. Also, moisturize the skin as needed. This medication may make you more sensitive to sunlight and cold weather. This can lead to sunburn, itching, burning, redness, or a blistered appearance of the skin. If any of these symptoms occur, stop this treatment and call your doctor or dermatologist immediately.

It can take several weeks before you see the full effects of this medication. Talk to your doctor if your acne does not improve within 12 weeks. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. He or she will tell you if this drug is safe to use while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicines, especially tretinoin or fish (if you’re taking Altreno). This medication may interact with some prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Side Effects

Tretinoin can cause irritation, peeling and dryness, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. This is because the medication increases cell turnover and chemically exfoliates your skin. These effects may make existing deep acne lesions appear more noticeable, but they will clear up as the skin adjusts to the medication.

It is important to use this medication only as directed. Avoid applying it to areas that are irritated, cracked or sunburned, and do not use other topical skin treatments on the same area until the tretinoin is fully dry. You should also use a mild cleanser and gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

If you are concerned about side effects, talk to your dermatologist. Over-the-counter products with lower doses of tretinoin (0.025 percent to 0.05 percent) are available, and you can slowly build up to using the stronger prescription medication. If severe peeling, redness, swellling, blistering or a rash occur, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Dosage

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin at bedtime. Do not apply to the corners of the mouth, eyes, or other easily irritated areas. Use the medication sparingly as directed and avoid using it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Avoid mixing tretinoin with other acne treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) at the same time or applying it to areas that are dry, chapped, sunburned, or swollen.

Your acne may seem worse for the first 3 to 6 weeks of treatment as your skin adjusts to tretinoin. It’s normal, but if it persists, talk to your doctor.

It’s important to use sunscreen every day when taking tretinoin, even on cloudy days. This helps prevent sunburn and early skin aging. It’s also a good idea to avoid tanning beds or sunlamps. This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This effect is especially true if you are fair-skinned. Talk to your doctor about appropriate protection from the sun.Tretinoin for Acne