Using Topical Retinoids To Treat Acne

Retinoids are anti-acne medications derived from Vitamin A. Topical retinoids reduce acne by increasing skin cell growth and promoting the extrusion of the clogged material in the follicle. At present, they are the treatment of choice for comedonal acne, or whiteheads and blackheads. But is it really the best treatment option?

For starters, retinoid-based medicines have always been expensive and the absorption rate is very low; only 1%-2% is absorbed in normal skin. About  98 -99 % of your money is essentially wasted! On the other hand, you probably wouldn’t want it to be absorbed effectively because of the adverse effects that may develop.

Retinoid treatments can be dangerous and must be closely monitored by a physician. Tretinoids must be prescribed by a health care provider.

Topical retinoids while reputed to be effective are not always tolerated well and may cause skin irritation and sun sensitivity, even the OTC formulations. Dryness, peeling and flaking, itching or stinging and redness have been noted in the skin of some people who used topical retinoids. Cases of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or severe swelling, burning, or crusting of the skin have also been reported. Topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. There are reports of birth defects in infants born to mothers who used topical retinoids during pregnancy and for this reason should be avoided during pregnancy. Topical retinoids should also be avoided when nursing, because these agents may have harmful effects on the infant. Tretinoids should also be avoided by people who have severe hypervitaminoisis A, hepatic impairment or hyperlipidaemia. The use of tretinoids with tetracycline antibiotics also may increase the risk of raised intracranial pressure and should therefore be avoided. It is also unknown if retinoids are safe for children less than 12 years old.

There are natural products that offer the benefits of both science and nature.  Exposed offers a full spectrum of acne treatment using only ingredients from the best pharmacy in town (where else but mother nature) to restore the health and beauty of your skin by clearing existing acne, preventing new acne from forming and reducing existing acne scars.

Exposed cleans and clears your skin from deep within and restores its health by discouraging the growth of acne-causing bacteria, drawing toxin away from pores and preventing the build-up of impurities. Exposed products are hypo-allergenic and contain vitamins and antioxidants that repair damaged cells and maintain skin moisture.

Retinoids are not the only OTC treatments available for acne. There are others that are equally effective minus the side effects. Parents should have their child try non-prescription solutions to the acne before trying any of the more powerful retinoid based treatments.