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| Prescription Retin-A Drug Information |
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Retin-A Uses? |
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Using Retin-A can help with existing acne breakouts as well as prevent the appearance of new pimples, papules, and scarring cysts.
It has also been found to be an effective treatment for skin that is simply aging or has been a damaged by sun exposure. Retin-A can actually help reverse the damage and keep skin looking young with as many as ten years of treatment.
Stretch marks are another popular target of Retin-A, especially new or enlarging marks. 0.1% strength is used for this treatment.
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Retin-A Directions? |
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Apply a thin coating of Retin-A using a cotton ball. Do not use it more than once per day, or you risk increasing the side effects of the medication. Do not be alarmed if it first appears that your skin is worsening after beginning treatment. Continue as directed and your skin will improve within a month.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and do not use any other medicated creams or treatments unless recommended by your dermatologist. Avoid getting Retin-A in your eyes, mouth, nose, or any open lesions. Rinse well if this occurs.
If you know you will be spending a day outdoors and will be exposed to a lot of sunlight, do not apply Retin-A the day before or the day after.
Use caution to avoid getting Retin-A in your nose, mouth, or eyes. This skin is very sensitive and should be washed carefully if contact does occur.
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Retin-A Side Effects? |
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Begin using Retin-A on a small area of skin to see if you will react to it. Using Retin-A increases your sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light. Avoid too much exposure to sun or sunlamps. While using Retin-A, make sure to wear sunscreen. If you develop an extreme reaction to the sun, you should discontinue using Retin-A.
When first using Retin-A, it is expected that your skin will appear worse. Continue treatment, since it is merely healing deep cysts faster than normal.
You should also be cautious about allowing your skin to be exposed to wind or very cold air. If you have any reactions, stop using Retin-A and speak to your doctor.
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Retin-A Warnings? |
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Using Retin-A as directed is usually very safe. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should continue using Retin-A. Do not smoke while applying Retin-A gel, since it is flammable. |
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Retin-A Drug Interactions? |
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Avoid using Retin-A with any other harsh skin products that will further dry skin or which contain a lot of alcohol. Do not use with any products that contain sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol. Speak to your doctor about any other topical medications you may be using. |
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Retin-A Missed Dose? |
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Apply Retin-A only once per day. If you forget to apply it at bedtime, apply it when you remember and then resume your normal routine the next day. Do not double dose. |
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Retin-A Storage? |
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Retin-A should be stored in a dark place and at room temperature. All medication should be stored out of the reach of children. |
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Anything Else I Should Know About Retin-A? |
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If you have been using any exfoliates or keratolytic treatments, make sure any rash has completely cleared up before beginning to use Retin-A. If you are pregnant, use Retin-A only with your doctor's permission.
Using Retin-A frequently causes skin irritation, but is related to the effectiveness of the product and will subside as your skin becomes used to the medication.
You can continue to use makeup while treating your skin with Retin-A, but remove all traces of it before applying the prescription.
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NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
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