Best Topical Retinoids
Acne Treatment With Topical Retinoids

The three prescription-strength retinoids that are on the market today are Tretinoin, Tazarotene, and Adapalene.

The most well-known retinoid (topical) is Tretinoin, which is prescribed under the brand names of Retin-A, Renova, Avita, Atralin, and Retin-A Micro.

Adapalene is one of the newer retinoids on the market and is prescribed under the name of Differin. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne and it does not cause as much skin irritation as Tretinoin products.

Tazarotene is also a newer retinoid and is prescribed under the name of Tazorac. It too is used to treat mild to moderate acne; however, it causes more irritation than other retinoids and comes at a higher cost.

These retinoids come in creams, gels and liquids ranging in potency from 0.01% to 0.1%. Although they can be very effective, they also can cause a lot of skin irritation, redness, dryness, and flaking. These retinoids must be used for about 6 to 12 weeks in order to see any kind of an improvement in the elimination of acne, namely the blackheads and whiteheads.


GUIDELINES FOR USING TOPICAL RETINOIDS

To help make using these retinoids more tolerable, here are a few guidelines that you might want to follow.

• When you first commence using a retinoid cream, you should only apply it every three days to allow time for your skin to adjust to this medication. This will help to cut down on the possibility of irritation, redness, dryness, and flaking that generally occurs when someone starts using it on a daily basis.

• Because of the high irritation factors of this medication, it is also best to commence using this product with the lowest strength available and to gradually increase the strength over time as your skin is able to tolerate it.

• Wait about 15 minutes after cleansing the face before you apply a pea size amount of the retinoid cream.

• To prevent dryness, you'll want to apply a water-based moisturizer. However, be sure to wait a few minutes after applying the retinoid before applying the moisturizer.

• If your skin turns red, burns or stings after applying the retinoid, it may be best to wash it off after it has been on an hour or two and gradually increase the number of hours you leave it on your skin.

• Waxing and retinoids don't mix, so if you're planning to get that mustache waxed, refrain from using topical retinoids for about 5 to 7 days. Otherwise, you might causes excessive redness or even remove a slight amount of skin.

• Alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide can render your retinoids ineffective, therefore, it's best to refrain from using them or at least don't layer them.

• Using topical retinoids can cause the skin to be more susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, be sure to be diligent in applying a 15 to 30 SPF sunscreen when going outside.

• Lastly, if you're breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant, do not use any topical retinoids.

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Share YOUR Experience Of Topical Retinoids

Please share any experience you have had with topical retinoids. Feel free to share positive, negative or uneventful results you experienced as it relates to trying to reduce or eliminate those pesky zits with the use of topical retinoids.