Benefits of Using Retin-A
Retin-A is a topical prescription medication containing the active ingredient tretinoin, derived from vitamin A. People use Retin-A to treat various skin disorders. Retin-A works as an exfoliating and keratolytic agent, helping to loosen and remove dead cells from the skin surface.
Retin-A is a topical prescription medication containing the active ingredient tretinoin, derived from vitamin A. People use Retin-A to treat various skin disorders. Retin-A works as an exfoliating and keratolytic agent, helping to loosen and remove dead cells from the skin surface. It is available in cream, lotion and gel forms.
Acne Benefits
Retin-A is effective at treating mild and moderate acne, as explained by the Mayo Clinic. Because it helps remove dead skin cells, Retin-A can keep pores free of clogs and prevent both blackheads and whiteheads. Clogged pores also can lead to inflammatory acne caused by anaerobic bacteria. The ability of Retin-A to clear pores is beneficial for allowing oxygen to enter pores and eliminate this bacterium.
Collagen Building
In addition to having exfoliating and keratolytic properties, Retin-A helps build collagen fibers in the layer of skin under the surface (dermis), according to DermaDoctor. This makes Retin-A useful for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it is promoted as an anti-aging product.
Clearing Sun Damage
Retin-A can help repair discolored areas or rough skin on the face caused by ultraviolet light exposure. Retin-A not only removes dead skin cells, but lightens skin and slows the way the body removes skin cells that may have experienced sun damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Clinic recommends using Retin-A as part of a skin care program that includes protecting skin from sun to avoid further damage.
Keratosis Pilaris
Retin-A has benefits for people with keratosis pilaris, a group of skin conditions involving small bumps, as explained by DermaDoctor. This often is characterized by the hair follicles becoming small rough bumps that look like goosebumps or red inflamed bumps. These bumps typically appear on the outer sides and back of the upper arms, but can develop nearly anywhere on the body.
Verruca Plana
Retin-A also is beneficial for treating verruca plana, commonly known as flat warts, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition involves numerous slightly elevated lesions, which are separate, but occur close together, usually on the face, hands and shins.