Retin A Cream: Yes or No?

Retin A cream, also known as Tretinoin, was once the miracle cream for acne and wrinkles. It still is, but there is still some caution due to potential side effects to unborn fetuses, so other options are being used for women who may be in childbearing years. Retin A is a class of cream make from a derivative of vitamin A in high doses. Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A can be produce birth defects in unborn children. Although less than 10% of the cream appears to be absorbed into the bloodstream, the cream is still not recommended for women who are pregnant.

Other Side effects

Retin A is very drying to skin. While teens may find the drying effect good for their type of acne, adults may have acne with dry skin too. Using retin A can make the skin more fragile and red. It also makes the skin photosensitive. Doctors advise you to use sun protection when you go outdoors after being treated with Retin A cream.

The Benefits

Retin A is very effective for the treatment of acne and fine wrinkles. It is often used to treat severe acne, which can be resistant to other forms of treatment. The drying effect can be combated with moisturizers in addition to the Retin A treatment. The skin does get used to it after a period of time using it, and it can be used more frequently as the itching or burning feeling subsides. Since it is a topical treatment, there is less chance of getting it into the bloodstream, although there is still caution with regards to pregnant women or women who are in their child-bearing years.

Good Skin Care With Retin A

In addition to the Retin A treatment, the dermatologist will indicate what a good skin care routine will be for you. They might suggest washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. It should be done before using the Retin A cream too. They might ask you to avoid makeup or to look for makeup that is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog the pores. They might talk about avoiding hair products too that can leave greasy films from conditioners and aggravate the acne near the hairline.

Alternatives To Retin A

Other alternatives to Retin A are topical antibiotics. Sometimes Retin A treatments are also used in conjunction with antibiotic pills. For pregnant women, most doctors advise them against both antibiotics and Retin A treatments while they are pregnant. They may need to rely on more natural methods to try to control acne, which can appear because of the pregnancy. There are also natural products besides cleansers and toners that are used for topical acne treatments. They contain tea tree oil or lemon oil usually. Over the counter conventional treatments with benzoyl peroxide are also not considered safe for pregnant women. Check with your doctor first before starting any health routine while you are pregnant to find out the latest news on over the counter and natural medicines.