Retin-A (generic name: Tretinoin; brand names: Avita / Renova / Aberela) is the acid form of vitamin A.

Retin-A is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or to treat the effects of aging on the face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or "age spots". It promotes peeling of affected skin areas and unclogs pores.

Retin-A works by reducing the production of sebum, the oily substance produced by the skin. Sebum can block pores leading to spots, blackheads and inflammation.

Retin-A is supplied in 20g tubes of 0.025% and 0.05% strengths.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Use Retin-A exactly as directed.

Retin-A is usually applied once a day at bedtime.

Your acne may get worse during the first 7-10 days that you use this medication. Nevertheless, continue to use it; the acne sores should disappear. Usually 2-3 weeks of regular use of Retin-A is required before improvement is seen.

Use only nonmedicated cosmetics on cleansed skin. Do not use topical preparations with a lot of alcohol, menthol, spices, or lime (e.g., shaving lotions, astringents, and perfumes); they can sting your skin.

Do not use any other topical medications, especially benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid (wart remover), and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol unless your doctor directs you to do so.

If you are to apply any form of Retin-A, follow these steps:

Wash your hands and affected skin area thoroughly with mild, bland soap (not medicated or abrasive soap or soap that dries the skin) and water. To be sure that your skin is thoroughly dry, wait 20-30 minutes before applying Retin-A.
Use clean fingertips, a gauze pad, or a cotton swab to apply the medication.
Use enough medication to cover the affected area lightly. Do not oversaturate the gauze pad or cotton swab.
Apply the medication to the affected skin area only (e.g., skin with acne sores).

All Retin-A topical preparations should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius.

Precautions

Before using Retin-A, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: tretinoin.