Retin A cream 0.05% tube 20 g - Instructions

What is Retin-A and how does it work on the skin?

Tretinoin or Retin-A belongs to the retinoid family (derived from vitamin A). Typically, retinoids are used topically to treat skin conditions such as sunburn, acne, etc. Tretinoin is the most studied retinoid. Only in 1984 was the property of this substance to fight photoaging discovered.

Researchers tested the effects of Tretinoin on mouse skin over a 10-week period. It was concluded that it enhances collagen production, reduces the depth of wrinkles and smoothes crow's feet around the eyes.

There are many scientific studies showing the effectiveness of tretinoin as a potent anti-aging agent.

pharmachologic effect

The substance Tretinoin belongs to the groups “Other antitumor drugs”, “Dermatotropic drugs”, as well as to the group “Vitamins and vitamin-like drugs”.

By affecting the body, it provokes:

• antitumor;
• keratolytic;
• antiseborrheic;
• comedolytic;
• immunostimulating;
• stimulating tissue regeneration;
• local anti-inflammatory effect.

Tretinoin is also used as a treatment for acne vulgaris and as a provitamin A.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Tretinoin is classified as a systemic retinoid , which is an inducer of cellular differentiation. Its structure is similar to vitamin A and is a product of the metabolization of retinol .

The drug deservedly enjoys a reputation as an effective remedy for problem skin. Numerous positive reviews about Tretinoin cream indicate that if you follow all the recommendations listed in the instructions, acne and pimples disappear almost without a trace after two weeks of treatment.

Similar drugs to Tretinoin

Tretinoin is marketed on the Russian and Ukrainian markets in the form of generic drugs, which are:

• Vesanoid capsules , Hoffmann la Roche, Switzerland;
• cream and solution for external use Locacid , Pierre Fabre Medicament, France;
• cream and gel Retin-A (Retin-A) Janssen-Silag (Johnson & Johnson Corporation), India;
• cream Airol , Pierre Fabre Italia SpA, Italy.

Considering the number of positive reviews about the drug, many people facing the problem of acne ask questions “where to buy Tretinoin in Moscow?”

Results of a study of tretinoin as an anti-aging agent

In a randomized, parallel, double-blind study, participants used retinol and tretinoin on their skin for three months. After three months, they concluded that wrinkles were much smaller, photodamage and pigmentation were reduced.

The study concluded that tretinoin may work like a magic wand to smooth out wrinkles and remove other signs of aging.

Another double-blind study examined the effects of tretinoin on photoaged skin. The results concluded that daily use of 0.5% tretinoin cream not only increases collagen synthesis, but also improves skin structure and tone, and promotes the formation of new blood vessels.

The first results from the effects of tretinoin may be noticeable only after several weeks of regular use. However, in the long term, major changes will be visible.

The study found that tretinoin improved clinical signs of photoaging in participants, but significant differences were observed after six months of continuous use of the cream. The study was extended for another six months. Participants used the cream 1-3 times a week. The results showed even greater improvements in anti-photoaging performance.

Tretinoin is a potent anti-aging agent. However, it should be used carefully and correctly to get the most out of it.

Retin A cream 0.05% tube 20 g - Instructions

Dosage form

Cream, 1 tube 20 g.

Compound

1 g of cream contains the active substance Tretinoin 500 mcg.

pharmachologic effect

Retinoid. Structurally close to vitamin A, it is a natural metabolite of retinol. When taken orally, it inhibits the differentiation and growth of a clone of altered blood cells, including human myeloid leukemia cells. The mechanism of action in acute promyelocytic leukemia is likely due to damage caused by the binding of tretinoin to nuclear retinoic acid receptors.

When applied externally, it increases cell proliferation in the papillary layer of the skin, reduces the adhesion of cells involved in the formation of acne vulgaris. When treating open acne, it helps smooth the skin surface without signs of inflammation. When treating closed blackheads, it promotes their transition to open blackheads or papules, which then heal without scarring after removal of the keratin plug. Prevents the formation of new acne.

Indications for use

Acne vulgaris (including those with the formation of comedones, papules, pustules), confluent acne. Favre-Racouchot disease (nodular cystic elastosis of the skin with comedones).

Contraindications

Acute inflammatory (including eczematous) skin lesions, wounds, burns.

Mode of application

Antitumor therapy regimens are established individually, depending on the indications and stage of the disease.

Side effects

Dermatological reactions: possible xeroderma, rash, cheilitis; rarely - erythema, itching, increased sweating, cellulite, alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, dry mucous membranes, xerophthalmia.

Possible redness, burning sensation, peeling of the skin at the site of application; in isolated cases - swelling, blistering or crusting, photosensitivity.

special instructions

Avoid getting tretinoin in the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes; In case of contact, rinse immediately with water.

During treatment, it is recommended to avoid exposure to the sun. For tanned skin, treatment can begin after the tan has subsided.

In the first week of treatment, acne may worsen.

Tretinoin should not be used simultaneously with drugs that cause skin desquamation, as well as with cosmetic and hygiene products that cause dryness and irritation of the skin.

Pregnancy and lactation

Contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception at least 1 month before starting treatment, during therapy, and 1 month after discontinuation of tretinoin. Application begins on the 2-3rd day of the normal menstrual cycle. 2 weeks before the start of treatment, the absence of pregnancy must be confirmed by laboratory tests. Such tests should be carried out once a month.

Storage conditions for the drug Retin-A®

At a temperature of 15–25 °C.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Shelf life of the drug Retin-A®

3 years.

Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.

How to Use Tretinoin or Retin-A for Signs of Aging

Here are some simple rules for using the drug:

• You should avoid using the drug during the day. It is better to apply the cream during evening facial care
  , before going to bed. This technique ensures that the skin has time to absorb the medicine. At night, the skin absorbs creams more actively and their effectiveness increases;
• The combined use of Retin-A with benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. Also, do not use it with acidic products (salicylic acid, vitamin C and glycolic acid);
• Clean your face thoroughly before using tretinoin. If the drug is used after any other cosmetic product, you should wait at least 15 minutes and only then apply the product with tretinoin.

When used correctly, Retin-A improves cell metabolism, slowing down the formation of wrinkles. Once you start using it, you will feel its benefits. It works from the first use. However, treatment must be continued for at least a year, since only then the appearance of new collagen fibers was discovered in studies.

Mechanism of action on the skin

What is the secret of this substance, how can it relieve both inflamed acne and the first signs of aging? It would seem that these are diametrically opposed problems. Due to its special effect on the skin, including its deep layers, Tretinoin is able to kill two birds with one stone.

1. Under the influence of retinol, cells in the deep layer of the dermis begin to divide more actively, and the number of cells in the basal layer increases. Increased renewal leads to active rejection of the surface layer of the skin - the epidermis, consisting of dead cells. This is why severe peeling is observed in the first weeks of using Tretinoin.
2. At the same time, the epidermis becomes thinner, and the reduction of the outer layer of skin makes it easier for the secretion of the sebaceous glands to come out. The inability to remove sebum and blockage of the stomata of the sebaceous glands provokes the occurrence of pimples and blackheads; when this problem is removed, the skin becomes much cleaner.
3. Another effect of Tretinoin: since the surface of the skin is actively exfoliated, you can observe how scars and old traces of acne are reduced, and the skin texture is smoothed. It is the scars that often spoil the appearance even after complete recovery from acne.

Initially introducing retinoids to combat acne, dermatologists noticed the accompanying effect of reducing wrinkles and increasing overall skin firmness. Shallow wrinkles are literally erased under the regenerating effect of the cream, and the elasticity and density of the skin is given by a significant increase in the number of basal cells of the dermis. Therefore, Tretinoin can also be recommended as a fairly effective anti-aging agent.

Side effects of Tretinoin

The active renewing effect of the cream on the skin explains the manifestation of rather strong and unpleasant effects:

• Severe peeling of the skin;
• Redness;
• Itching, feeling of tightness;
• Exacerbation of inflammatory processes.

All these troubles that accompany the use of the cream will await you in the first three weeks. The skin adapts to the substance, changes in its structure cannot pass unnoticed and without external effects. Therefore, it is recommended to first use the cream once every three days, after a week apply it every other day, and after two to three weeks proceed to daily application. This will help your skin adapt and make the treatment more comfortable.

Attention! If the itching and burning become unbearable, the skin becomes swollen, blisters appear - this is a sign of a hyperreaction, in this case you should consult a dermatologist.

Indications for use

The main indication for use of the drug Tretinoin is acne. It also effectively copes with subcutaneous acne caused by increased production of sebaceous secretions. Therefore, dermatologists prescribe cream and gel to patients with the following skin pathologies:

• confluent acne, formed by the combination of several inflammatory foci;
• acne vulgaris, formed due to a chronic inflammatory process of the sebaceous glands of the face, chest and back;
• skin elastoidosis, complicated by the formation of cysts and comedones;
• skin hyperpigmentation.

Under the influence of the drug, the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid increases. They fill voids in the intercellular matrix, increasing skin elasticity. This effect allows you to get rid of age spots and scars left after squeezing out pimples.

Tretinoin gel and cream are actively used in cosmetology to combat age-related changes. After a course of treatment, facial wrinkles disappear. Creases on the forehead and nasolabial folds also become less noticeable.

Tretinoin is effective in treating acne and is also used to slow down age-related skin changes

Contraindications

An absolute contraindication to treatment with Tretinoin is individual intolerance to the auxiliary or active ingredient. There is evidence of the teratogenic and mutagenic effects of systemic retinoid. Therefore, its use during pregnancy and lactation is strictly prohibited.

The list of contraindications includes:

• acute inflammatory processes in the dermis and epidermis;
• dry or weeping eczema;
• the presence of microtraumas at the sites of application - burns, cuts, abrasions, as well as external manifestations of dermatitis.

Skin epithelioma also becomes a contraindication. This is a tumor of the skin and mucous membranes, developing from epidermal cells. Therapy should be carried out with caution in the presence of severe pathologies of the liver, kidneys, and circulatory disorders.

Reviews for Tretinoin

Judging by the reviews, this cream can really help even in cases where other remedies are ineffective.

Olga, 25:

“Pimples don’t bother me much - they appear rarely and go away quickly. But I really don’t like the pits and scars that remain from adolescence, when my whole face was literally covered with inflammation. I also have enlarged pores. I decided to try Tretinoin. Within a month, the skin became smoother, the blackheads were significantly reduced - and most importantly, the scars began to smooth out. I also noticed that the small wrinkle that appeared between my eyebrows has decreased.”

Oksana, 19:

“I have very oily skin, it is constantly inflamed - pimples and blackheads. I got tired of covering it all up with foundation and decided to take a course of treatment with Tretinoin. I finally found a product that helped me! My skin now, after 4 months, is much better - I can finally walk without any concealers, I just breathed a sigh of relief.”

This article is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for details!