Using Retin-A

What is it?
Retin-A is a product of Ortho Pharmaceutical Company in the form of liquid, cream, or gel and it is used for the treatmentof acne.It consists of tretinoin (retinoic acid and vitamin A).Use it tropically on the skin affected by acne.Some research also shows that it proved helpful in minimizing lines and effects of sun damage.

Recommended Usage

Its recommended usage is once a day.Usage more often than this may cause redness, peeling, or discomfortand will not result in a better or more rapid outcome.Side EffectsIt may cause heightened sensitivity to sunlight exposure on the areas of skin where Retin-A is used.Moreover,some areas of skin may become red, blistered, or crusted.In case of any side effects,treatment should be stopped until the symptoms subside.Very few people have reported being allergic to the compound itself,in this situationyou should consult with your doctor to determine if you should continue treatment.

Retin-A and Pregnancy

So for,the effects of Retin-A on pregnant women or those nursing are not known.Retin-A is classified as a Class C drug for pregnancy.It means that the risks of taking it in pregnancy should be outweighed by the benefits.These Classes ranges from A (no restrictions) to B, C, D, and X (absolutely prohibited).Accutane, is extremely harmful in pregnancy (it is an X), nothing similar has been found for Retin-A.Animal studies showed no permanent harmful effects with frequent use. The animal studies found delays in bone development of the offspring, but not outside the normal range. These differences usually vanished by the time of weaning.There has also been no clearly documented harm in pregnant women. Tretinoin may be secreted in breast milk, and the effect of this is unknown.

How does it work?

How it works? is exactly unknown.It is considered that it may somehow loosen the connections among skin cells,and it stimulate the growth of new cells at the same time. This, in turn, helps to expel blackheads. The loosened skin will allow dirt to be washed away. New cells will take place of Older cells that were partly the cause of acne.

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