Chemical Peels and RetinoidsThis medication is used in the treatment of acne. It reduces the formation of pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples that do develop. Using this medication more frequently or in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase side effects. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen when the medication is first used. It may take three to six weeks before the full benefits of this medication are seen. Immediately after applying, the skin may feel warm or mild stinging or redness may occur. Some peeling of the skin may occur. These effects should subside as your skin adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medicine may also increase sun sensitivity. This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. This medication should not be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if tretinoin appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their use. Use other acne preparations with caution while using this medication. Tretinion is becoming largely supplanted by copper peptide technology such as that found in Neova and by Kinerase, which produce similar effects in the skin without the side effects that Retin-A displays.
RETINOL RETINOL (retinyl acetate, retinyl alcohol) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A and is found in many fruits and vegetables with an orange, yellow, or red color. Cosmetic chemists have recently been successful in stabilizing retinol--which is light-sensitive--for topical application. It is biologically active, and some of it is converted by the skin to tretinoin, accounting for its anti-aging changes in skin similar to those produced by Retin-A--such as accelerating epidermal cell renewal and improving fine lines by forming new collagen in the upper dermis--but with less or no irritation. Additionally, retinol functions as a natural humectant, attracting moisture and increasing the water content of the epidermis. Since water is the plasticizer of the skin, retinol use improves skin appearance and performance. Retinol is the active ingredient in the AFIRM products. These products are similar in their action to Retin-A and Renova, with the 1X AFIRM being similar to Retin-A 0.025% Cream, 2XAFIRM similar to Retin-A 0.05% Cream and Renova, and the 3XAFIRM similar to Retin-A 0.1% Cream. Their difference is that they are much less irritating and drying than similar strengths of Retin-A and Renova.
DIFFERIN® DIFFERIN® (adapalene gel) Gel 0.1% is a topical retinoid analogue indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Its active ingredient, adapalene, is an original chemical entity discovered and developed by Galderma. Used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris, DIFFERIN® Gel significantly reduces both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In clinical trials, DIFFERIN® Gel has proven to be as effective as tretinoin 0.025%, and with low cutaneous irritation. During the first few weeks of treatment, itching, dryness, redness, burning, or peeling may occur. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of Differin®. Use of sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas are recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. As with other acne medications, over-exposure to extreme wind or cold, or use of irritating skin care products may aggravate the skin.
Renova Renova is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving coloration. This can also be used to treat acne. Do not use this more often than prescribed or in large amounts. It will not give you faster or better results but will increase the risk of side effects. Do not use on sunburn or eczema or other serious skin conditions. Effects of this medication will be gradual with most improvement seen in the first 6 months of continued therapy. If used for acne the condition may worsen at first, and then improve. You may experience mild redness or stinging, itching, burning, skin scaling, peeling and dry skin the first several weeks as your body adjusts to Renova. If any of these effects continue or become severe, discontinue use and notify your doctor. Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing skin disorders or if you have any allergies. This medication increases your sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure and avoid sun lamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take including isotretinoin, amiodarone, tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines as they increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Also minoxidil and any skin medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, astringents or any facial products that may be drying or irritating (e.g., alcohol-containing facial products. Benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as this medication.
ORAL RETINOIDS Oral Retinoids belong to the retinoid family of drugs related to vitamin A. Acitretin (prescribed under the brand name Soriatane in the U.S.) is the only approved retinoid for treating severe cases of psoriasis. It is effective for pustular and erythrodermic types of psoriasis, but alone, it does not work as well on severe plaque psoriasis as some other drugs. Acitretin is also commonly prescribed in combination with other therapies, particularly UVB and PUVA. Isotretinoin (brand name Accutane) is an oral retinoid best known for treating severe cystic acne, although it is prescribed in some cases of severe psoriasis. This medication is not as effective as acitretin. Retinoids all carry the risk of causing birth defects in developing fetuses if the mother is using the drug. Acitretin and isotretinoin are safer than older oral retinoids that are no longer available; however women who take them must still wait a certain amount of time before safely attempting to become pregnant. People taking oral retinoids should not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A, and those taking acitretin should avoid alcohol. Accutane has been available through prescription as a treatment for severe acne since 1983. It is currently available in about 80 countries. Accutane has now been linked with a long list of serious side effects which are frequent, varied and at times severe. According to the manufacturer of Accutane, some patients, while taking the drug or soon after stopping, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Signs of these problems include feelings of sadness, irritability, unusual tiredness, trouble concentrating and loss of appetite. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Known side effects of Accutane:
People on Accutane are also warned to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and not to use vitamin preparations or health food supplements that contain vitamin A. Patients are also advised to avoid waxing for 5-6 months after taking Accutane - because of the risk of scarring. Accutane Rules Tightened More than 1,300 psychiatric side effects and at least 66 suicides have been reported since Accutane arrived on the market. The numbers prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take another look at Accutane. The FDA has changed its rules regarding the drug so that doctors must now get patients to sign a consent form. The form is produced by Accutane's maker, Roche Pharmaceuticals. It says the patient understands all the risks associated with Accutane, including depression and suicide. Pharmacists must also hand out a detailed warning brochure from the FDA, called a Medguide. Accutane is one of just three drugs in the United States that has ever been required to come with a Medguide. Disclaimer Information provided by the International Rosacea Foundation about products, medical conditions, symptoms, and related products has been obtained from the manufacturers via prescription product information inserts and/or the web sites sponsoring these products. The products and treatments described on this site are for informational purposes only. Statements concerning the products or treatments detailed on this web site have not been evaluated by the International Rosacea Foundation and should not be construed as factual or accurate as they are representations by the manufacturer. The products and treatments described on this site are not intended to diagnose, heal, cure or prevent disease unless they present themselves as doing such. We continually update this site to keep you informed of the latest scientific findings about rosacea. Click below to access another page within the INTERNATIONAL ROSACEA FOUNDATION site, or a related website. [Symptoms of Rosacea] [Ocular Rosacea] [Acne Factor] [Dermatitis Factor] [Lifestyle Recommendations] [Oral & Topical Antibiotics] [Non-Prescription Treatments] [Prescription Treatments] [Topical Steroids] [Chemical Peels & Retinoids] [Laser Treatments] [Glossary] [Summary] [Citations] [International Rosacea Foundation Home] [Clinical Trials Resource Center] |