What Is Retin-A Cream?

Retin-A Cream is a topical skin care prescription that is often used to treat acne and other skin conditions. Derived from Vitamin A, Retin-A Cream helps the skin cells divide and grow, giving acne less time to develop.

Types

Retin-A Cream is available for external topical use only. Retin-A Cream comes in both a traditional topical lotion texture, as well as a cream-gel texture. A medical professional will determine the best Retin-A Cream for each individual patient.

Function

Retin-A Cream works by inhibiting skin cells from sticking together, and increases the turnover of skin cell development. In doing so, acne is less likely to form. The high concentration of Vitamin A also helps to heal any acne that does develop.

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects with the use of Retin-A Cream include red, peeling or flaky skin, mild to moderate stinging sensations and enhanced sensitivity to sunlight. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may occur.

Benefits

Retin-A Cream can help reduce the appearance of acne over time. Because of the rapid skin cell turnover, Retin-A Creams are also used to combat the physical signs of aging, as well.

Warning

Sun protection should always be applied while using Retin-A Creams to avoid severe burns to the skin. It is common for the skin condition to appear worse during the first two weeks of treatment with Retin-A Cream.