What is Retin A?

Retin A Cream also known as tretinoin cream is used to treat pimples and acne. This cream is also used improve the appearance of the skin in a number of other ways. It helps by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, reducing roughness, improving skin color. Tretinoin cream works by affecting the growth of skin cells and does not repair sun-damaged skin or reverse ageing due to sun exposure. Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it, and your acne may get worse during the first 7 to 10 days that you use this medication. When treating wrinkles, spotty discoloration or rough skin, it may take between 3 and 6 months before you notice improvement. Regular use of this cream is required before an improvement is seen.

How to use Retin A Cream

Gently clean your face with a mild or soap-less cleanser and then pat your skin dry. After 20 to 30 minutes, apply a pea sized amount of Retin A Cream to your face. This should be just enough to cover your entire face lightly. Make sure to avoid your eyes, nostrils and mouth. This medication is usually prescribed to be used once a day, before bedtime. You should not wash your face or apply any other skincare products for at least an hour after using this cream.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Gently clean your face before use with a mild or soap-less cleanser and pat your skin dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying Retin A Cream.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap before applying.
• Use clean fingertips to apply a pea-sized amount of cream to your face. Use enough to cover your entire face lightly avoiding your eyes, nostrils and mouth.
• Take this medication as prescribed. It is usually used once a day, before bedtime. Do not use more of this medication or more often than prescribed. It will not give faster or better results, but will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling or pain.
• Do not wash your face or use any other skin product for at least an hour after using tretinoin cream.
• Do not use Retin A Cream on cut, scraped, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.
• If you forget a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies or are allergic to fish.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• If you have ever had eczema, actinic keratoses, skin cancer or any other skin condition.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin cream, inform your doctor.

Also be aware that:

• You should avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light and should wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Tretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Weather extremes such as wind and cold may be particularly irritating to your skin.
• It may take up to 6 weeks to see the full effect of this medication when used to treat acne or up to 6 months when used to treat fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration, and rough feeling skin.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• A feeling of warmth on the affected area.
• Stinging or a change in the color of the skin.
• Dry skin, redness, swelling, blisters or peeling, particularly during the first 10 days of use.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rashes, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat.
• A skin reaction which is very bad and does not go away.

Q: How long does it take Retin A Cream to work?
A: If prescribed for acne, your acne may get worse for the first 7 to 10 days that you use this medication. This may include red or scaling skin and an increase in acne sores. Usually 2 to 3 weeks or up to 6 weeks of regular use is needed before a visual improvement is noticeable. When treating  fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration or rough feeling skin it may take up to 6 months before you notice improvement. If you stop using tretinoin, the improvement may gradually disappear.

Q: Can I wear make up with Retin A Cream?

A: You may still wear make-up with tretinoin cream unless your doctor has old you not to. If you are using make up, clean the area to be treated before using this cream.

Q: What is the strength of Retin A Cream?

A: Retin A Cream is available in 0.05% and 0.025% strength. Generic alternative, Tretinoin Cream is also available in 0.1% strength.