How to Understand Retinoids

Retinoids are a Vitamin A derivative that, among other things, are approved by the FDA for use in prescription anti-aging treatments. These synthetic or natural derivatives are topically administered to fight the photo effects of aging and are the only FDA approved anti-aging products. Over the counter products, even those that are supposed to contain retinoids, have not been proven equally effective. To find out more about retinoids, read on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand that the only FDA approved products to treat photo aging are prescription creams that include retinoids.

2. Retinoids can be found naturally in the body in small amounts, and are derivatives of Vitamin A. More information on retinoids in relation to skin care as well as in other fields is being uncovered every day.

3. Know that you may have to have significant skin damage to be prescribed retinoids to treat your symptoms. Ask your doctor if you feel you could benefit from treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your doctor and ask if he can explain retinoids to you and share any written materials about them. He will be able to use layman terms and point you in the right direction for further information.
• Search for "retinoids" online, but keep in mind that you will find a lot of Web sites with complex answers designed for people with medical training. Add words like "anti-aging" to find more specific (and easier to understand) Web sites.
• Search for "retinoids" on sites like WebMD than can offer you medical information in more accessible language.

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[SkinExpert]

on 12/10/2007 Very generic information.