Retin-A AcneTreatment 
What You Need To Know About Using Retin-A For Acne

Retin-A, Tretinoin gel 0.1%, is a proven acne vulgaris treatment that reduces the severity of adolescent acne.  In a number of  clinical studies, Retin-A acne treatment was proven to be more effective in reducing acne blemishes than several other acne medications used in the testing.

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne, and is caused by a hormone imbalance that increases the body's normal level of the male hormone called androgen. This increased androgen will cause the skin's sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce your natural skin oils, to get bigger and create more oil also known as sebum.

The increased level of sebum can combine with the thousands of dead skin cells that are sloughed off constantly,  and block the hair follicles. Blocked follicles create the environment for a bacteria called P.acnes to thrive and go to work,  causing an inflammation and outbreaks of acne blemishes.  P.acnes bacteria is a natural bacteria that is always present in your skin -- even the healthiest skin.

Acne blemishes are seen most often in adolescents but adults are not immune to having zits either. Acne blemishes are known as comedones which are large, deep, pus-filled pimples. These comedones go away eventually but  usually leave a scar behind, and that's where Retin-A acne treatment comes in. Retin-A treatment can significantly reduce the severity of acne scarring by making it easier for the body to shed the dead skin that blocks pores.  This reduced blockage reduces the size of comedones and results in less scarring.

How to Use Retin-A AcneTreatment

It is best to use Retin-A treatment just before bedtime. Using a gauze pad or cotton swab,  apply a thin layer of Retin-A to the areas of your skin that have acne blemishes.  Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the medication. Be careful not to apply Retin-A near the eyes or mouth or on open cuts. It  can be very irritating to sensitive skin.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label when using acne medicines. Retin-A should only be used once a day. Using it more frequently than directed or using more than necessary will not make it work better. In fact, indiscriminate use may have the unwanted consequence of increasing the possibility of side-effects. Remember, even over-the-counter treatments medications have a potency, and should be used with care.

It takes time to for Retin-A acne treatment to start working.  After you begin to use it, your acne may seem to get worse. This is expected,  but don't stop using it. It may take up to six weeks before the medicine is working to its full potential.

Using Cosmetics and Retin-A Treatment

Cosmetics may be used while using Retin-A. However, be sure to remove all traces of the cosmetic products completely before applying Retin-A.

Pregnancy and Retin-A

Retin-A is a topical medication  that is applied directly to the skin. When used as directed, less than 10% of the medication will pass into the mother's bloodstream -- and less than that will reach the baby. More than 10% may get into the bloodstream if the Retin-A is applied to cuts or breaks in the skin or if more than just the recommended thin coating is used. Using less will, in turn, provide less risk to the unborn baby. 

There has been no proven link between the use of Retin-A during pregnancy and birth defects. It is not known if any of the Retin-A will wind up in breast milk, so it would probably  be wise to either switch to an acne product without Retin-A or use the Retin-A medication very sparingly with your doctor's approval.

Side effects of Retin-A and Precautions To Take

• Immediately after applying a medication with Retin-A to your skin, your skin may feel warm. It may turn slightly red, and you may feel a mild stinging. These effects will go away as your skin adjusts to the medication.
• Retin-A may increase your sensitivity to the sun and wind as well as to cold temperatures. Minimize your exposure to the elements. Always wear protective clothing in the sun and don't use a sun lamp.
• Retin-A, when used as directed, may cause itchiness and scaling of the skin. This reaction may be more severe on some people than on others. If more than the necessary amount of Retin-A is used this itching and scaling may be more pronounced.
• Since Retin-A's effect on pregnancy is not known for sure, be safe and don't use it if you're pregnant.