Retin-A was first used more than 30 years ago to treat acne. The medicine did a great job of getting rid of acne, and patients also noticed big changes in how their faces looked overall. So, the DHA said that Retin-A could be used as a cosmetic.
Today, the medicine is thought of as a way to fight aging and treat a number of skin problems.
What is Retin-A?
Retin-A is a brand name for a compound with retinoic acid and tretinoin as the active ingredient. There are many medicines on the market that contain Retin-A. Some of these medicines might have other ingredients that help in other ways. For example, Renova has emollients that make the skin smoother and more hydrated. Retin-A alone does not contain emollients. The medicine could be put into tiny capsules that release it slowly over time.
Retin-A is a drug that is put on the skin. It comes in gel or cream form. There are different levels of Retin-A concentration, and each one is made for a different type of skin. Retin-main A’s job is to give your skin a light chemical peel that speeds up the natural process of shedding skin cells and boosts collagen production.
Retin-A Benefits for Skin
When Retin-A is used over and over, the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) gets thinner. At the same time, the cells in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) are stimulated to make the epidermis layer thicker. Collagen production and cell growth in the dermis layer also go up because of this stimulation. Most of the time, the benefits are clear after seven weeks of proper use. To keep getting the benefits of Retin-A, you must keep up with your treatment. The doctor may also suggest other treatments, like a daily skin care routine, to improve and keep the results.
Retin-A is not only Acne Treatment
Most of the time, Retin-A is prescribed for the following:
- Acne: Retin-A brings blackheads to the surface by bringing acne plugs (blockages) to the surface. The blackheads are then taken off the skin when it is washed. Retin-A can also help stop acne from getting worse.
- Hyperpigmentation: The ingredients in Retin-A can help skin that has been damaged by the sun, such as skin that has age spots or freckles.
- Poor Skin Texture: The increased exfoliation caused by Retin-A gets rid of dead skin cells and stimulates the growth of new skin cells to make the skin’s texture better.
- Getting ready for other steps: Retin-A is often used to get the skin ready for facial surgeries and laser skin resurfacing. The medicine could also be taken after a procedure to help with recovery.
Retin-A: How to Use It?
Retin-A is usually only used once a day, in the evening, after washing your face with a mild cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol. Before you put the Retin-A cream or gel on your skin, you should pat your face dry with a towel. Your doctor will show you how to put Retin-A on your skin. Your doctor will also tell you how to take care of your skin every day to lower the risk of complications and improve the results. For example, if you are more sensitive to light, you will be told to use sunscreen every morning and all day long.
Retin-A Side Effects
How you react to Retin-A depends on many things, like your skin type and how much you use. Your skin may break out during the first two weeks, but it will clear up after a few weeks. Other reactions can feel like a light sunburn or a peeling of the face. Serious, but rare, side effects can include skin that is red, very dry, swollen, or has blisters. In these situations, the doctor needs to be told right away. Your doctor will give you ointments, creams, or oral steroids to help with the side effect, as well as instructions on how to take care of your skin every day to help it heal. In some cases, the doctor may change how the medicine is taken. After treatment, the skin is much more likely to get hurt. It is important to tell the doctor about any bad symptoms or reactions.
Cost of Retin-A in Dubai
The costs of treatment with Retin-A are:
- The visit to the doctor and the follow-up.
- The medicine is usually given in a 45-gram tube that lasts for six months.
Prices vary by treatment provider and by skin care company. The average cost of Retin-A treatment in Dubai per year is about 800 AED, and a daily skin care routine can cost 3000 AED or more. If your doctor says you need Retin-A for medical reasons, your insurance company may pay for all or part of the cost of the drug and doctor visits.