Retin-A cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin, with the chemical name trans-retinoic acid. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A known as a retinoid. Retin-A cream is available in 0.1 percent, 0.05 percent and 0.025 percent strengths, according to DailyMed. This is a prescription-only medication used for treating various skin conditions.
Acne Treatment
Doctors often prescribe Retin-A as therapy for mild to moderate acne. This common skin condition typically results from excess skin oil clogging pores and preventing dead skin cells from shedding--dead skin cells also add to pore blockage. Anaerobic bacteria that cause acne and inflammation thrive under these conditions. Tretinoin speeds new skin cell development and decreases the tendency of skin cells to stick together, so dead cells slough away more easily, thus unclogging pores. This reduces acne formation and allows quicker healing of existing blemishes.
Cosmetic Appearance
People use Retin-A for other skin benefits as well. Because tretinoin may promote the development of collagen fibers in the skin, it may be helpful for minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, explains DermaDoctor. Tretinoin also can reduce skin discoloration due to sun damage.
Usage
Start by using Retin-A cream only every other night, advises DermaDoctor. First wash your face and other affected skin and allow it to dry for at least 20 minutes. Place a pea-sized dab of cream on your finger and apply it on the area to be treated, then massage it into your skin. If using Retin-A cream for wrinkles around your eyes, apply the product under your eyes and to crow's feet, but not to your upper eyelids. Do not get any in your eyes. Wash your hands after applying the cream. Retin-A is available in a gel form as well as a cream, which is probably more beneficial for people with oily skin, as noted by DermaDoctor. Gels tend to be drying, whereas creams are moisturizing.
Hair Growth
The activity of Retin-A has another benefit--enhancing the effects of the hair-growth medication minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine. Retin-A prevents the outer layer of skin from keratinizing, or creating a protective compact layer of cells, explains HairSite. This allows for better absorption of minoxidil. This purpose has proven inconvenient since the two products cannot be applied at the same time, and minoxidil already requires a fair amount of time and effort for what often amounts to only slight improvement.
Safety
Retin-A cream is associated with side effects of redness, skin irritation, stinging, feelings of warmth and extra sensitivity to cold or windy weather and to sunlight, which increases the risk of severe sunburn. Acne may become worse for the first few weeks of treatment before beginning to clear up. Drugs.com recommends not putting Retin-A cream on skin that is sunburned or has eczema, and not using other topical products that have drying effects while using Retin-A cream.
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