Retino A

What is Retino A?

Retino A is an effective antibacterial treatment that contains tretinoin (a type of retinol derived from vitamin A). It helps to prevent and treat both acne and blocked pores as well as acne scarring from previous breakouts. It usually comes as a topical cream that you apply directly to the skin and usually needs a prescription.

It’s usually applied topically to the skin and helps to stimulate cell turnover and regeneration of the skin. Dead skin cells are cleared away more quickly, meaning that your pores open up and release any trapped bacteria or irritants that are contributing to your acne.

Retino A is a branded medicine and has alternatives like Xylem A, Tretin, Tretwin, Isofeel, StayHappi Tretinoin, Airol, Lustre, T Nac and Comedolytic cream.

How does Retino A work?

As well as improving cell turnover and regeneration of the skin to reduce bacteria, blocked pores and acne, Retino A can also help your skin to regulate its natural oil production. This helps to prevent breakouts and blocked pores that have been caused by excess oil production.

Tretinoin - the main ingredient in Retino A - also has anti-inflammatory properties, so can help to calm sore, inflamed skin that’s struggling with acne.

Depending on your circumstances, health and your acne, Retino A may be prescribed alone or with other acne treatments that will work alongside it.

What doses of Retino A are there?

There are two doses of Retino A available: 0.05% cream and 0.025% cream. The strength that you’re prescribed will depend on your skin, acne and personal health. Your doctor will discuss this with you in more detail, but sometimes it’s best to start slow with a lower dose, working up to a higher one when your skin has tolerated the lower dose well.

If you’re looking for a higher or lower dose than 0.05% or 0.025% then you may need to switch to a different type of medication.

How to use Retino A

• You should strictly follow the instructions by your doctor, even if you’ve used it (or something similar) before or you feel that you’re familiar with this type of treatment.

  For maximum effectiveness, you should use Retino A as directed. Here’s how to use Retino A:

• It’s usually best to apply Retino A at night to make sure it’s effective - some of the ingredients can be affected by sunlight.
• Start by washing your hands.
• Before you apply Retino A, make sure your face is clean and free from makeup, skincare products and dirt. Do this gently to avoid irritation.
• Wait 20-30 minutes.
• Squeeze a small amount onto your fingertip (usually a pea-sized amount is enough for your whole face) and apply to the specific areas on your skin where you need it to work.
• The medication should fade into your skin straight away.
• Wash your hands before sleeping.
• Make sure that you wash your face carefully and gently the next morning.
• Ensure that you apply sunscreen with a high SPF the next day (and every day whilst you use this treatment), as tretinoin (the key ingredient in Retino A) can make your skin more sensitive and susceptible to sun damage.
• Use regularly as directed. Retino A doesn’t give instant results, and instead works over weeks rather than days.

Using more tretinoin or using it more often than prescribed won’t heal your acne faster and could actually lead to more irritation. If you are experiencing skin irritation when you use Retino A, it’s best to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend an alternative, look at reducing the dose or give you advice on how to apply it so that it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Tretinoin is for topical use only. Be careful not to let it get into your eyes, mouth or nose as this could cause irritation. It’s also best to avoid applying it to skin that’s sunburned, cut, scraped or affected by skin conditions such as eczema. You should avoid waxing or laser treatments whilst you are using Retino A as this can lead to skin damage.

Avoid or reduce exposure to sunlight, extreme cold, wind, harsh soaps or other cosmetics that tend to dry the skin. Alcohol, astringents, lime and spices can all interact with how Retino A works too so be careful with what you apply to your skin.

If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant or you’re breastfeeding then Retino A should be avoided. It also may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

How long does it take Retino A to work?

Retino A doesn’t provide instant results. You may notice positive changes in your skin within 2 to 3 weeks of using it but it can take 6 weeks or more to get the best results. This also depends on how serious your acne was before you started treatment. It’s likely that more severe acne will take longer when it comes to seeing results.

Some people experience acne symptoms that seem to worsen when they take Retino A. This is because the medication starts working on the acne that was already developing under the skin but wasn’t yet visible. This isn’t something to be concerned about unless it’s significantly painful or becomes infected.

If you don’t see any improvement within 12 weeks of using Retino A, or if you have seen significant improvement and think if you can now reduce the dosage, talk to your doctor.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Retino A?

If you miss a dose of Retino A, you should apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never double the dose.

If you have applied too much Retino A and have irritated your skin, you should wait until your skin has healed before you use it again. Speak to your doctor if you experience this as they may have advice or guidance on how to reduce the irritation you experience when using Retino A.