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Treating Acne With Retinoids
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives. Retinoids effectively treat mild to moderate acne. Isotretinoin, adaplene, tazarotene and tretinoin are common retinoids. Isotretinoin is used orally, while others are used topically.
Retinoids- how they treat acne?
Retinoids increase the cell turnover of the skin. They peel of the top layers of cells and increase the speed at which skin forms new cells. Retinoids also clear the clogged pores and have anti-inflammatory properties. Retinoids are therefore used to treat whiteheads and blackheads and pimples. Retinoids are collagen boosters and can also help treat acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines.
As you begin using topical retinoids, you may notice deterioration in acne. More acne spots may appear. But they disappear slowly and acne clears in about six weeks.
Care with topical retinoids
Retinoids may dry the skin. Avoid using retinoids with products that cause dryness.
Topical retinoids may also cause skin irritation.
You should discuss about the cosmetics, skin care and hair care products you are using with your doctor. Please also discuss about oral medications you may be using. This will make sure that you are not using any ingredient that will make your skin drier.
Retinoids make the skin sensitive to sunlight. Proper sun screening is necessary while using retinoids.
If you observe any side effects such as red scaling on skin, change in color of skin, stinging or swelling which do not go away, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy is to be avoided while using retinoids. Please speak to your doctor about pregnancy and breast-feeding of child before you begin using retinoids.
Let us now know about the individual retinoids and how they are used to treat acne-
Acne Treatment and Tretinoin
Tretinoin is one of the most common retinoids used to treat acne. Tretinoin is available as brand names- Retin-A, Renova and Avita in the USA. It is available as liquid solution, gel and cream. Another micro version of Retin A is also available. Tretinoin formulations increase skin sensitivity to sun and therefore sun protection is necessary. Tretinoin may also cause skin dryness and irritation.
Tretinoin should not be used along with Benzoyl Peroxide. If you are using Benzoyl Peroxide, apply both at an interval of about eight hours.
Acne Treatment and Tazarotene
Tazarotene is available as brand Tazorac in the USA. It works as well as Tretinoin and is also used to treat another disease called Psoriasis. Tazarotene renews the skin by increasing the cell turnover, but may cause dryness and skin irritation. Sun exposure should be kept limited while using Tazarotene.
Acne Treatment and Adapalene
Adaplene is sold as brand Differin in the USA. It is very popular for acne treatment. Like other retinoids it causes skin irritation and dryness. Sun protection is necessary while using that.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a very potent retinoid used to treat acne. It is not used topically, but taken orally. To learn more about how Isotretinoin is used to treat acne, click here.
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Acne & Sunshine
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Despite the belief that acne gets cleared by sunshine, there is no scientific evidence to this. Excess sun can damage your skin rather than treating acne.
Click here to learn more on Sun Damage.
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