5 Things You Need to Know About Topical Retinoids

1. Driving Acne Out

Doctors have been using topical retinoids to treat acne successfully for over 3 decades. Topical retinoids can fight existing acne pustules by helping the skin extrude the plugs to the surface of the skin. This can frustrate acne patients eager to see the results they've heard about, as this extrusion process can make the acne temporarily worsen as the skin dislodges lesions beneath the surface. Topical retinoids also prevent future breakouts by preventing the stickiness of skin cells that causes new acne lesions to form. Topical retinoids can manage an overactive immune system in acne patients, controlling the inflammatory response that can trigger acne outbreaks.

2. Long History of Fighting Acne

Patients have relied on Retin-A since the 1970s to treat mild to moderately severe acne. Doctors can prescribe Retin-A in a cream, gel or liquid formulation, depending on the oiliness of the patient's skin. Retin-A is also available in an encapsulated form called Retin-A Micro, which releases the drug slowly throughout the day. This reduces some of the irritating side effects that can make patients stop taking the drug before they realize its full benefits.

3. Most Popular

Dermatologists prescribe Differin more than any other topical acne treatment. Patients considering Differin have three choices of strengths and formulations to choose from. The 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent gel formulas are for oily skin or patients with moderate to moderately severe acne problems. The 0.1 percent cream formula provides effective treatment in a medicine made for sensitive skin.

4. Skin-Activated

Tazorac distinguishes itself from other topical retinoids on the market by its body-activated mechanism of action. Unlike other retinoids, Tazorac has a special formula that renders the drug inactive until you apply it to your skin. After the drug soaks into your skin, it works with your body chemistry to produce the active form of the medicine that fights acne as soon as four weeks after you begin treatment. Some patients find Tazorac harsher than other topical retinoids, but you should see full results after 12 weeks of using the drug, and then you can decide if it's right for you.

5. Dealing With Side Effects

Patients taking topical retinoids may experience redness, irritation, warmth or peeling of the skin. It's important to protect the skin from sun exposure, as these drugs make the skin vulnerable to damage from the UVA and UVB rays. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater every day, and protect your skin from the wind, as this can exacerbate chapping. If you feel that your skin irritation is intolerable, ask your doctor if you're taking the most gentle formulation of your medication. He may switch you to a cream-based formula with less active drug. Women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn't use topical retinoids, as the drug can pass into the bloodstream and pass to the fetus or into breast milk, causing adverse effects.