Cream "Retin-A" - an effective tool for the treatment of acne and skin rejuvenation. Thanks to its use, a powerful anti-aging effect can be achieved, much better than after the use of acid peels and laser correction. This remedy is the most effective for treating all forms of acne and eliminating the effects of a rash. In addition, it helps to get rid of pigmentation and freckles.
However, like any other drug, the cream has certain contraindications, which is why it is absolutely necessary to study the instructions for use. "Retin-A" is suitable for almost any type of skin, however, if there are contraindications, you need to see a doctor and pick up analogues.
Composition and form of release
A vitamin-containing drug from the retinoid group is available in the form of a cream in tubes of 30 grams. Each cardboard bundle contains one such tube. The gel is presented in three main concentrations: 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.025%.
The main active ingredient of Retin-A cream is tretinoin, which helps restore skin, cleanse and narrow pores, and get rid of pigmentation.
pharmachologic effect
When applied topically, penetrating through cellular structures, the hormone complex stimulates the growth and renewal of epithelial cells, inhibits inflammation, and also prevents the spread of acne-forming cells.
Cream "Retin-A" when treating open acne rashes helps to smooth the surface of the skin and eliminates signs of the inflammatory process. When processing closed blackheads, this tool helps to open them, and then heal without scarring.
In addition, it prevents the formation of acne, promotes hair growth, and also has a pronounced antitumor effect.
The therapeutic effect is achieved 6-7 weeks after the start of acne treatment, and the most positive result is observed 8-12 weeks after the first application.
Indications for use
The main component of the cream is trans-retinoic acid - the most effective form of vitamin A. Tretinoin, which is part of the product, has been successfully used for the treatment of acne, acne, and many other problems with the skin of the face and body. In the past few years, Retin-A cream has been used to prevent and treat age spots, slow down the aging process, and smooth wrinkles. The main indications for the use of this tool are:
- acne and acne;
- deep wrinkles on the face;
- prevention of photoaging of the skin.
The active substance helps to reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands, and also prevents the blockage of hair follicles in the pores of the skin, thereby preventing the formation of blackheads. In addition, it helps dissolve fatty plugs located in the pores and has a mild peeling effect. Regular use of the cream allows you to:
- prevent the emergence of new blackheads;
- clean and narrow pores;
- remove or reduce age spots;
- improve skin texture and tone;
- make the skin softer and more elastic.
However, it is worth remembering that in order to achieve pronounced results, the use of the drug is required for 6 months.
Use during pregnancy
Cream "Retin-A" is contraindicated to use during pregnancy, as this leads to miscarriages in the early stages. In the second and third trimester, the use of this agent can lead to impaired formation of the fetal organs, in particular, adversely affects the development of the nervous system, eye organs, muscle and bone structure. During the treatment period, breastfeeding should also be discontinued.
After canceling treatment with this gel, pregnancy can be planned no earlier than a year later. Due to the significant teratogenic effect, the manufacturer recommends that women use at least two types of contraceptives during the period of drug use.
Dosage and administration
According to the instructions for use, Retin-A cream is applied to the affected areas with a very thin layer once a day before bedtime, it is left on the skin for 6 hours, and then it must be washed off with running water. If necessary, the frequency of application can be increased up to 2 times a day.
People with dry and fair skin at the very beginning of treatment are allowed to leave the cream on the skin for no more than 30 minutes. The duration of the use of the drug largely depends on the type of pathology. In the treatment of acne, the therapeutic effect occurs after 2-3 weeks, and the best clinical result can be obtained after 3 months. To eliminate pigmentation and wrinkles, it will take about 4-24 weeks.
For preventive purposes, you can apply the cream 1 time per week after taking a warm bath. Treatment of warts begins with the use of the lowest concentration means, and in the absence of the required clinical effect, the concentration rises.
When using the cream, the dosage must be strictly observed, since a large amount will only cause irritation, but will not accelerate the result. Before applying it to the skin, it is necessary to clean them with a mild detergent and completely dry, so it is advisable to wait 20-30 minutes after washing. In addition, after rinsing, do not use moisturizers for 30-40 minutes.
Tretinonin increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, which is why it is necessary to use sunscreens with a protection level of at least SFP 30. Sunscreens are applied before going outside.
If after a few weeks the skin irritation does not decrease, it is advisable to stop using the gel or change its concentration to a lower one. In addition, it is imperative to consult a dermatologist.
Contraindications
Before buying Retin-A cream, the price of which is quite high, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to its use. The main contraindications include:
- acute inflammatory processes of the skin;
- wounds, burns;
- rectal disease;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
In addition, there are certain restrictions on the use of the cream. It is necessary to use the product under strict medical supervision in case of intracranial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis, lack of reliable means of concentration in women of childbearing age, impaired liver function, renal failure, chronic intoxication. It is also forbidden to apply the cream to people under the age of 12 years and older than 50 years.
Side effects
The active substance tretinoin reviews is ambiguous, and also, if used improperly, side effects such as:
- the formation of blisters and crusts;
- peeling of the skin;
- burning sensation;
- redness;
- swelling.
In some cases, soreness, thinning of the skin, allergic dermatitis can be noted. There may also be hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially when exposed to sunlight on the skin.
Interaction with other drugs
Incompatible gel "Retin-A" with tetracyclines, as there is a risk of intracranial hypertension. Also, it should not be used simultaneously with oral contraceptives containing progesterone, vitamins A, some hygienic and cosmetic products that provoke dryness and skin irritation.
special instructions
In the first week after application of the gel "Retin-A" may increase acne. It is contraindicated to use this tool in combination with some other drugs, cosmetic and hygiene products, which is why it is necessary to consult a dermatologist first. Incorrect application of the cream can cause severe dryness and peeling of the skin.
Treated areas of the skin must be protected from sunlight, artificial ultraviolet radiation, cold and wind. When applying the product, special care must be taken to prevent it from getting on the mucous membranes. If this happened, then thoroughly rinse them with water.
Patients with a tan should begin treatment after it is weakened. A week after the use of the drug, an increase in acne can be observed, which is associated with its effect on deep-seated acne, which did not appear before the start of therapy.
Analogues of the drug
Since Retin-A has a rather high price, it is possible to choose analogues of this product. The cost of the product in Russian currency is from 1150 to 1600 rubles, depending on the concentration of the active substance. However, it is worth remembering that it can only be purchased abroad, since in the Russian Federation it is prohibited for sale in pharmacies.
The absolute analogue of the cream is Lokatsid, which contains the active substance tretinoin. This tool has a special effect on cellular metabolic processes. Retin-A cream and analogues of this agent accelerate the maturation of skin cells, which clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles. Thanks to this, inflammatory processes are eliminated, and the existing acne is much easier to treat and does not leave scars and scars.
Another analogue is the Tretinoin cream, which contains the maximum amount of active substance. Reviews about the "Tretinoin" patients suggest that the regular use of this tool can improve the condition of the skin, remove wrinkles. This is due to the removal of keratinized particles of the upper layer of the skin, as well as increased blood circulation. However, safety precautions must be taken, as serious skin problems can occur. The cost of this tool is 2300 rubles and you can order it via the Internet.
Retinoids also contain Differin gel, which helps restore youth and beauty to the skin, as well as get rid of acne. The closest in structure to vitamin A is considered to be Renova cream.
The drugs are designed for prolonged use, therefore, before purchasing them, you must consult a dermatologist, since self-medication can be dangerous to health.
Reviews about the drug
Cream "Retin-A" reviews has the most diverse, as some patients note an excellent cosmetic effect, and some say that after a couple of weeks peeling and increased dryness of the skin may appear. This is a common problem that regular moisturizers will help to eliminate.
Cream "Retin-A" reviews from experts is very good, dermatologists note the rapid healing of acne, as well as the elimination of pigmentation and the reduction of wrinkles. However, doctors say that a good result can be achieved only with regular and prolonged use of the drug and subject to the rules for applying the cream. Be sure to consult a specialist, since the drug has many contraindications and can cause side effects.