What is Tretinoin cream (Retin-A )?
It is a chemical also known as “all-trans Retinoic acid” by its scientific name, is a medication given to treat acne on the face or skin and sun-damaged skin. It is a topical route medication that is made up of retinoic acid which helps the growth and development of cells. It is sold under the brand name of Retin-A cream.
Tretinoin is a generic medicine and is very popular that it has made itself on the list of essential medications issued by the WHO. It is one of the most prescribed medications overall and the topmost prescribed medication for skin treatment in Australia.
What is Tretinoin Cream used for?
It based creams are primarily used to treat acne on the face and skin regions and they are used to treat sunburns or UV damaged skin. They are sometimes used in combination with other skin products such as sunscreen or moisturiser. Its creams may find other uses in conjunction with other skincare and sunblock methods to decrease fine wrinkles, minimize dark spots, and smooth out rough skin.
How does Tretinoin Cream work?
It belongs to the retinoids’ family of drugs. It works by causing the damaged skin patches to peel off like dead skin cells and unclog pores. It is the active component of the Retin- A cream and the retinoic acid present in it is a by-product of Vitamin A1. This vitamin helps in mediating cell growth and development and is vital in skin cell repair.
The other retinoids which are also derivatives of Vitamin A all combine to help reduce inflammation. They bind to their respective cell receptors within the inflamed cells, forming a complex that reduces the inflammation caused and promotes cell repair. Since acne is a type of skin inflammation, this underlying mechanism helps in curing the acne.
How should I apply Tretinoin cream?
It is mostly a topical route medication and comes in three forms: lotion, cream and gel. Retin-A is available in both cream and gel form. Take approximately a pea-sized amount of the Tretinoin gel or cream in your hands and apply it very gently. Rub it gently over the face until you make sure it has well covered all areas and let it soak.
It is normally applied once a day at bedtime. Follow the directions mentioned on the tube carefully, in case there is anything you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor prescribes. Do not apply this medication on fresh open wounds, or directly over sunburned areas. Do not apply it on sensitive areas such as eyes or the lips or inside your nose. If it comes in contact, rinse quickly with water.
What are the different strengths of Tretinion (Retin-A cream) available in the market?
The Retin-A gel is available in two strengths – 0.025% or 0.01% whereas the Retin-A cream is available in 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.025% strengths. You can buy Tretinoin 0.05 cream or its other strengths in Australia by simple ways.
How efficient is Tretinoin cream in curing acne?
The cream is very effective in controlling your acne and clearing the acne pores. The guarantees result at the end of your course and your acne spots will disappear. But it may not completely cure it; generally, all medications only help control it.
How long does it take for the effects to be visible?
It reduces the appearance of acne but does not cure it. During the first 7 to 10 days of using this medicine, your acne will most likely worsen (indicated by a rise in acne sores). Nonetheless, keep using it; the acne spots should surely go away. It must be used consistently for 2 to 3 weeks (and occasionally more than 6 weeks) before results may be seen.
What are the steps to properly use Retin-A cream?
It can be applied by following three simple steps:
- Wash your hands and the affected area with water and a light soap (not a medicated soap). Wait for about 20 minutes before applying it to ensure that your skin is completely dry.
- Apply the drug with clean fingertips.
- Use a thin layer of the medicine to cover the affected area.
- Only apply the drug to the afflicted area of the skin.
What is the ideal dosage of Retin-A cream?
The dosage varies depending on the person using it.
For acne:
Adults- Apply once a day on the affected area before bedtime.
Children- The dosage needs to be decided by your physician.
For wrinkles or dark spots:
Adults below 50 years of age– Apply normally on the affected area by bedtime.
For Adults above 50 years– Kindly consult your doctor.
What are the side effects of using Tretinion Cream (Retin-A)?
There may be some mild side effects when you first use the cream:
- Slight sting or warmth after application
- Increase of acne spots
- Reddening of the skin or the affected areas
- Scaling skin
- Swelling or rashes; any mild allergic reaction
- Dryness of skin, peeling etc.
Are there any precautions to be taken?
- If you are allergic to the Tretinoin, any other drugs, or any of the substances in the cream or gel, notify your doctor and pharmacist. For further assistance, request the ingredients list from your doctor.
- If you have or have ever had eczema, actinic keratosis (scaly areas or patches on the skin), or any other skin condition, notify your doctor.
- If you are a pregnant woman, or are planning to become pregnant, notify your doctor. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while under this medication.
- Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV rays. It can make your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation and sunlight.
Are Tretinoin and Retin-A the same?
Tretinoin cream and Retin-A cream are the same products. Tretinoin is the active chemical component used in the cream while Retin-A is the brand name it is sold under.
Is Retin-A available in Australia?
Yes, Retin-A cream is available online in both 0.05% and 0.025% variants, in Australia. It is available on many reliable online websites for a price of $39 for each tube.
How to get Tretinoin Cream in Australia?
You can either buy Tretinoin Australia over the counter or you can go for online websites to buy online.
