Chemical Peels and Retinoids

This 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.

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.

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