Tretinoin, or all-trans-retinoic acid, is a retinoid that belongs to a class of chemical compounds that are derivatives of vitamin A, the main component of this generic pharmaceutical form of retinoic acid. Developed in the late 1960s by James Fulton and Albert Kligman from the University of Pennsylvania, tretinoin was created to treat acne vulgaris. Since then, tretinoin cream has been proven to successfully treat a variety of other skin conditions like reversing the effects of photo-aging, mottling or hyperpigmentation, scars and stretch marks. Tretinoin has also been proven to be effective for countering signs of aging on surface skin because it can minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
General Information on Tretinoin and Tretinoin Cream
When …show more content…
For those who do not want to try obtaining a prescription, there are over-the-counter creams that can be used, known as retinols. Retinols work similarly to the way tretinoin creams do, however, they are not as potent. When absorbed by the skin, retinol is converted into retinoic acid, which is what Retin-A is, but the process of conversion by the skin makes the retinol somewhat ineffective, especially when treating acne. It is converted to a form that is significantly weaker than the prescription strength of tretinoin creams, therefore, it will take a considerably longer time to achieve the desired …show more content…
Do not use on open or irritated skin that has been sunburned, scraped, cut or if there are signs of eczema. Also avoid using it in the eye area and getting it in the eyes. If this occurs, flush the eyes with large amounts of water. For the first few weeks of using tretinoin cream, acne may not appear to be improving, but can look like it is worsening. The reason for that is the medication is working on acne that has formed deep in the epidermis layer of skin. It can possibly take 2 to 3 months before seeing improvement using this medication. When using this medication it is vital that a strong sunblock be used when going outdoors for any length of time and if going out in cold weather to cover up the treated areas because tretinoin cream causes thinning and sensitivity of the
General Information on Tretinoin and Tretinoin Cream
When …show more content…
For those who do not want to try obtaining a prescription, there are over-the-counter creams that can be used, known as retinols. Retinols work similarly to the way tretinoin creams do, however, they are not as potent. When absorbed by the skin, retinol is converted into retinoic acid, which is what Retin-A is, but the process of conversion by the skin makes the retinol somewhat ineffective, especially when treating acne. It is converted to a form that is significantly weaker than the prescription strength of tretinoin creams, therefore, it will take a considerably longer time to achieve the desired …show more content…
Do not use on open or irritated skin that has been sunburned, scraped, cut or if there are signs of eczema. Also avoid using it in the eye area and getting it in the eyes. If this occurs, flush the eyes with large amounts of water. For the first few weeks of using tretinoin cream, acne may not appear to be improving, but can look like it is worsening. The reason for that is the medication is working on acne that has formed deep in the epidermis layer of skin. It can possibly take 2 to 3 months before seeing improvement using this medication. When using this medication it is vital that a strong sunblock be used when going outdoors for any length of time and if going out in cold weather to cover up the treated areas because tretinoin cream causes thinning and sensitivity of the