Retin-A is a brand name for the popular prescription acne drug tretinoin. Doctors prescribe Retin-A in cream, gel or liquid forms in three potencies ranging from 0.025 to 0.1 percent. Retin-A cream offers the only mid-range option with 0.05 percent potency. Although all forms of Retin-A can cause side effects such as flaking, redness, swelling and blistering, the risk is arguably greatest with Retin-A cream because thicker applications, called "piling," result in delivery of multiple doses. To reduce your risk of skin irritation, you should learn how to use Retin-A cream before you begin treatment.
Prepare to Use Retin-A Cream
Step 1
Read the package insert before beginning treatment with Retin-A cream or any other medication.
Step 2
Review all of the personal care products that you plan to use during treatment with Retin-A cream, including shampoos, lotions, masks and perfumes. Set aside products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcil, alcohol, menthol, citrus extracts, spices and sulfur because they increase your risk of skin irritation when used concurrently with Retin-A.
Step 3
Purchase or obtain gentle, nonmedicated, non-abrasive, fragrance-free formulations of essential products such as face soap, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. Even if you have never used moisturizer before, you may need it when you begin treatment with Retin-A cream.
Apply as Directed
Step 1
Before bed, wash your face or the affected area with gentle soap, water and a soft cloth.
Step 2
Gently pat dry and wait 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3
Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a towel.
Step 4
Apply the amount of Retin-A cream recommended by your doctor or pharmacist to the tips of your fingers.
Step 5
Smooth cream over affected areas, passing each area only once. Use Retin-A cream only on affected areas, taking care to avoid eyes, lips, hair and the mucous membranes of the nose.
Tips and Warnings
- If you experience redness or other side effects despite following these directions, talk to your doctor about using Retin-A every other day, trying a lower potency preparation of Retin-A or switching to another product called Retin-A Micro.
- Retin-A increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun. While you use Retin-A, you should consider wearing sunscreen and clothing that protects you from even short-term exposure to the sun's rays. You should specifically refrain from tanning and the use of tanning beds.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle-formula soap
References
- "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine (seventh edition)"; F. Wolff et al; 2008
- Pubmed Health: Tretinoin Topical
- Retin-A.com: Prescribing Information
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