Is Retin-A a good acne treatment?

Rated: 5.5 out of 10
by BestAcneTreatments.org

Retin-A® is the trademarked name for a topical preparation of tretinoin, a retinoid compound. Retin-A is manufactured by OrthoNeutrogena. Though initially developed to combat wrinkles, Retin-A proved to be an effective though irritating anti acne skin care product.

Retin-A: effective ingredients

The active ingredient of Retin-A is tretinoin, a retinoid. Retinoids are forms of Vitamin A. Retin-A is metabolized by the skin cells into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid thins the outermost layer of the epidermis and stimulates increased collagen production in the dermis. A side effect of this epidermal thinning is sensitivity to the sun. Those who are using Retin-A should make sure to stay out of direct sunlight.

Unfortunately, Retin-A is also extremely irritating to the skin. Many people are forced to discontinue use due to this irritation. Some compounds, such as retinyl palmitate, are as effective as Retin-A but without the irritation to the skin.

How to use Retin-A

Retin-A is only to be applied to a clean face. Clean and wash the face and pat skin dry with a towel. Let the face dry for 10-15 minutes. Now, apply one pea-sized drop to the fingertips and apply to the face - be careful not to get Retin-A in your eyes. A single pea-sized drop should be a sufficient amount to cover your entire face. Apply Retin-A morning and night.

If soreness and swelling persist, decrease the frequency of Retin-A treatments to every other or every third day.

Generally speaking, Retin-A gels are more effective than cream formulations because Retin-A is more powerful when in a gel form.

Retin-A: our evaluation

Retin-A is an effective anti acne skin care product. But it is far too harsh and irritating for many people. There are equally effective products available without a prescription that can match Retin-A's performance without the concerns of irritation and swollen, red skin.