|
|
Acne Topical Retinoids : Informationa and facts
What are topical retinoids? Topical retinoids are medications you apply to your skin to treat acne on and around the affected area.
Retinoids are a class of molecules in the vitamin A family of molecules. The retinoids are very potent as anti-acne medications. The retinoid activation of specific RARs normalizes abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle; abnormal follicular cell cycles are believed to play a major role in plugging sebaceous follicles and causing comedones to form. The most common side effects of topical retinoids are redness, dryness, peeling and itching of skin in the areas of retinoid application. Risk for birth defects is a major side effect of systemic retinoids; the risk is much lower for topical retinoids but should be discussed with the physician when a female acne patient is pregnant or likely to become pregnant. The most common topical natural and synthetic retinoids currently available as acne medications in the United States are:
- Tretinoin - Is also known as vitamin A acid, a natural retinoid. Tretinoin is a molecule in the very large family of vitamin A-type molecules that are important for good vision, good skin quality and general good health. Tretinoin influences skin cell growth and death cycles by a cascade of events that begins with binding to RARs and ends with both direct and indirect alteration of genes that control follicular cell cycles. Topical tretinoin is available as a cream, gel or solution, a dermatologist will prescribe the form of application best for each individual patient. The maximum benefit of tretinoin's anti-acne activity may require several weeks of treatment.
- Adapalene - synthetic retinoid applied as a gel or cream, it has potent retinoid and anti-inflammatory activity. Side effects are similar to those of tretinoin.
- Tazarotene - synthetic retinoid applied as a gel or cream, it acts on the follicular cell cycle by a biochemical pathway different from that of tretinoin. Side effects are similar to those of tretinoin.
|
|