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Tretinoin is the active ingredient of Retin-A. It is a Vitamin A derivative or can be described as the acid form of Vitamin A. Many dermatologists regard Retin-A as an effective topical medication to treat the signs of aging such as skin wrinkles. Retin-A is also used to treat acne, skin blemishes and dark spots caused by pimple scars or hyper pigmentation.

Retin-A works by improving and increasing cell production. The sun’s harmful rays are, more often, the main culprit in creating abnormalities in the skin’s ability for cell production. These negative effects can be treated by Retin-A.

Since Retin-A is an effective medication to increase cell production; it can effectively treat the ugly marks or scars left by acne outbreak. Retin-A is applied topically to the affected area. Reports say that it can significantly diminish the appearance of acne scars within two weeks. With continuous use of up to eight weeks, the acne scars can completely disappear in some patients while in some, are just hardly noticeable. It is important to use Retin-A with proper medical instructions as excessive use can cause negative side effects.

When using Retin-A to treat acne scars, patients should be careful with sun exposure. A sun block with an SPF of at least 15 must be applied to the skin prior to sun exposure. Retin-A increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s harmful rays that is why proper precaution should be observed when going out for outdoor activities. Retin-A should never be applied to skin that is infected with eczema or wounds. It should not be applied to skin that is dry, sunburned, wind burned or irritated.

Retin-A is a strong topical medication to treat acne. Its use for the treatment of acne scars should be consulted to a doctor prior to using it. Certain precautions apply to certain individuals. It is also best to inform the doctor about any other medications that are being taken for acne treatment orally or topically as well as any other form of medications to treat other conditions.

Retin-A to treat acne is not recommended to use by pregnant women because it can harm the fetus. Lactating mothers are also discouraged from using it because the medication is absorbed by the skin and may be transferred to the baby when nursing.