Tretinoin

Tretinoin (and it's brand names Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, and Retin-A Micro) is a naturally occurring compound derived from vitamin A. RetinA and RetinA Micro and other tretinoin products are applied directly to the skin for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

General Information:

• You need to let your physician know before taking Retin A if you have eczema.  Tretinoin can aggrevate your eczema.
• You should not take tretinoin or Retin-A Micro if you have sunburn or excessive sensitivity to the sun.  It could worsen on this medication.
• You should not take tretinoin if you have an allergy to any Retin A product, or Vitamin A.
• Never take Retin A products or tretinoin if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding.  It could harm your baby.
• Retin-A, Retin-A Micro and other tretinoin products are applied directly to the skin once a day, usually before bedtime.  Because tretinoin products increase sensitivity to the sun it is advised to take them at bedtime rather than in the morning.  It's important to understand that applying too much RetinA, RetinA Micro or other topical tretinoin product may irritate or increase the irritation of your skin.  Applying more product will not achieve better or faster results.
• Before using tretinoin products like RetinA and RetinA Micro, first gently wash your face with a mild, non-perfumed or medicated soap.  Towel dry.  When applying the tretinoin, avoid applying it directly to the eyes, ears, nostrils, and angles of the nose, and mouth.  While on tretinoin, it is important to also use a facial moisturizer that will not irritate your acne.  Tretinoin can have a drying and flaking effect and using moisturizer will help to mitigate any discomfort from the tretinoin.  While using Retin-A, Retin-A Micro or other tretinoin product, it is important to also use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 (SPF 30 if possible). 
• When using tretinoin, allow 30 minutes before applying to allow skin to dry.  This will minimize the possibility of skin irritation.  When applying the tretinoin, squeeze nor more than a pea size dab on one finger.  Cover the affecred acne area by rubbing it gently into the skin.  If the medication is visible or if it is visbily flaking off after application, too much has been used.  When using the liquid tretinoin, take care to stay away from eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
• When using tretinoin, Retin A or Retin A Micro, your acne may worsen before getting better.  In the first week or two the acne condition may get worse but will then improve.  The full benefit of the tretinoin treatment may take anywhere from 2 - 12 weeks.
• Because tretinoin will increase cell turnover (dead skin cells on the surface of the skin will become thinner) it is not recommended to wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day.  Doing so will cause additional skin irritation.
• The following products should be avoided during the time you are using topical tretinoin: products with high alcohol content, astringents, spices, lime or other citrus facial peels, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, and any preparations or processes that might have drying effects.
• Tretinoin and Retin-A products are flammable so keep them away from lighted matches, cigarettes and flames.

Side effects:

• Some patients may get darkening or lightening of the treated areas while using tretinoin.  This may accompany severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling.  Contact your acne physician immediately if this occurs.
• Less severe side effects of Retin-A products include increased sensitivity to the sun, itching, mild stinging, and red, inflamed, or irritated skin. 
• While taking tretinoin, skin may peel after a several days.

To find out more about Tretinoin, contact your local acne physician.