Function

Retin-A works by preventing cells in your skin from sticking together, which prevents the clogging of your pores that causes acne. The cream also stimulates the regeneration of skin cells, which helps acne clear more quickly.

Features

Doctors typically recommend that patients apply a thin layer of Retin-A wherever acne blemishes appear once per day, reports the Mayo Clinic. The medication must stay in place for one hour to remain effective.

Time Frame

For the first two to three weeks of treatment with Retin-A, your skin may appear red and inflamed, but this is a normal effect of the medicine and not typically a reason to discontinue use, reports the U.S. National Library Medicine. Because Retin-A requires repeated use to become effective, you may not begin to notice results for six weeks or more.

Warning

Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, posing a risk for sunburn if you tan or spend time in the sun without applying sunscreen, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe Retin-A for pregnant women. If you have a sunburn, broken skin or any skin condition like eczema or dermatitis, it may not be safe for you to use Retin-A, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Tretinoin (Topical Route)

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream