How Does Retin-A Work?

What is Retin-A?

Retin-A is the commercial name for retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A. The generic name is Tretinoin. It's used to treat acne and sun-damaged or scarred skin and is dispensed in a topical cream or gel. It is a prescription-only product that many people hope will give them a more youthful appearance.

How Does Retin-A Help Skin?

When Retin-A is applied directly to the skin, it seeps down into the skin's deeper layers. Once there, it increases the number and quality of basal cells and also causes less clumping of old cells, which leads to thicker, smoother skin and an improved appearance. In the dermis layer of the skin, new, healthy collagen layers are added, which makes skin more supple. In addition, the rate of melanin production improves, leaving fewer freckles and spots.

Is there a Downside to Retin-A?

Retin-A should not be used by pregnant women. Once treatment starts, patients will need to be careful about using sunscreen since there is an increased risk of sunburn. Since Retin-A causes some thinning of the skin layers, patients are advised against using skin-waxing products which can lead to inflammation and redness. Some users also report itching, scaling, stinging or burning, and the dose may have to be altered or increased gradually to allow skin time to adjust.

References

• Drugs.com
• Skin Care Company
• Wikipedia