Chemical Peels and Retinoids

Chemical peels and retinoid as rosacea treatments should not be used to remove skin. The sensitive rosacea skin does not need further aggrevation but needs to heal.

VITAMIN C

VITAMIN C is an anti-oxidant which is believed to help protect cells from the damage of free radicals, molecules resulting from environmental pollution and ultra-violet light rays. To be effective topically, the Vitamin-C-containing product must be at an acidic pH and contain at least 10% L-ascorbic acid. It has been known to cause irritation and stinging when applied to the skin. Although it may act as a mild natural sunscreen, it is not adequate protection and should be used with a high-SPF sun block.

TOPICAL RETINOIDS

Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. Creams containing the retinoids such as retinol and retinaldehyde can be obtained over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets. Other topical retinoids containing tretinoin or isotretinoin require a doctor's prescription in many countries. Adapalene or Differin is a related prescription medicine.

Topical retinoids can be applied to any area but are most often used on the face, the neck and the back of hands.

Topical retinoids are effective in the treatment of mild to moderately severe acne. In the last few years tretinoin has also been shown to reverse some of the changes due to sun damage. If used long term, it may reduce some fine wrinkles, freckles, comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), and solar keratoses (dry scaly sun-spots).

Retinoids can irritate the skin and increase the chance of sunburn and are not recommended for sensitive skin. Excessive use results in redness and peeling.

The trade names of the more potent topical retinoids available by prescription are:

The exfoliating agent with the longest market use is TRETINOIN, or RETIN-A. (Its patent ran out recently; thus, there are other brands of tretinoin currently on the market, such as Avita. Renova is the same as Retin-A 0.05% in a perfumed, moderately more emollient cream.) Tretinoin or trans-retinoic acid, is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is applied to the skin as a cream, liquid, or gel to treat mild to moderate acne. Other uses for tretinoin are under investigation.

It acts as a chemical peeling agent which helps the skin to renew itself more rapidly. By increasing the rate of turnover of the skin, it reduces pimple and blackhead formation. It is commonly used to treat acne as well as to treat fine wrinkling.

Tretinoin requires a prescription and has a number of common side effects--such as burning, redness, itching, peeling, and stinging; but it is very effective at increasing the shedding of corneocytes, the cells of the topmost layer of the epidermis, contributing to smoother-feeling skin. It also reduces pigmentation and more evenly distributes pigment in the epidermis, resulting in the improvement of mottled hyperpigmentation. Over time, tretinion can normalize atypical cells in the epidermis and stimulates the formation of a band of new collagen in the upper dermis, helping to lessen fine lines, and can cause new blood vessels to develop in the upper dermis, resulting in redness (or a "rosy glow," or flush to the skin) and reduces sallow skin hues. It may prevent collagen and elastin breakdown, helping to offset further damaging effects of sunlight. However, use of tretinoin greatly increases susceptibility to sunburn--making the use of effective photoprotective measures imperative.

It produces significant photosensitivity, which means that sun exposure will create a more rapid rate of sunburn than if you were not using tretinion.

It also makes the skin rather red, dry and flaky.

For people who already have sunburn or windburn, dry or chapped skin, it could worsen these conditions.

Tretinion is also contraindicated in pregnancy because Vitamin A acids, particularly those taken orally, can cause severe birth defects. This is also true for women who breast feed.

Page 1 2 3 4 5 6