Topical retinoids increase the cell turnover of the skin. This is very useful in treatment of whiteheads and blackheads. They clear the clogged pores and also have anti-inflammatory properties. An extra advantage of using topical retinoids is that they help remove fine lines and wrinkles. Topical retinoids may produce skin irritation. They should be strictly used under medical supervision as some of them such as tazarotene have shown birth defects in animal trials. Let us look at them in detail.

Acne Treatment and Tretinoin

Tretinoin is one of the most common retinoids to treat acne. Tretinoin is available as Retin-A, Renova and Avita in the USA. It is available as liquid solution, gel and cream forms. Another micro version of Retin A is also available. Tretinoin formulations increase skin sensitivity to sun and therefore sun protection is necessary when you use tretinoin. Tretinoin may also cause skin dryness and irritation. It should not be used along with Benzoyl Peroxide. If you are using Benzoyl Peroxide, apply both at an interval of about eight hours.

Acne Treatment and Tazarotene

Tazarotene is available as Tazorac in the USA. It works as well as Tretinoin and is also used to treat another disease called Psoriasis. Tazarotene renews the skin by increasing the cell turnover, but may cause dryness and skin irritation. Sun exposure should be kept limited while using Tazarotene.

Acne Treatment and Adapalene

Adaplene is sold as brand Differin in the USA. It is very popular for acne treatment. Like other retinoids it causes skin irritation and dryness. Sun protection is necessary while using that.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.