Author: Tony Burnell
There are many creams that claim to cure or relieve acne. There are some that do work if used properly. However, all of them can be misused and can create their own set of problems. Those discussed here are topical retinoids, which are derivatives of Vitamin A. They work by increasing the natural rate the skin sheds, which means there are fewer dead skin cells to cause blockages.
Some Initial Skin Irritation
Topical retinoids do cause a reaction on the skin when they are first used. The reaction can cause redness, lumpiness, flakiness and irritation. The skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight so it is important to use plenty of sunscreen. Pregnant women are advised not to use it because of a possible excess of Vitamin A, which could affect the foetus. The symptoms last for about a month but can be lessened if lighter applications are used in the beginning.
RetinA
This has been around for many years and many dermatologists swear by it. It is used for acne, blackheads and wrinkles. It was a great discovery because the only treatment prior that was Vitamin A supplements, which carried a risk of over dosing over the long term. RetinA is an effective treatment but it does need to be used within the recommended guidelines. It is best used with the guidance of a doctor. Renova
This is really the same as RetinA but milder, and with a greater moisturizing base. Women were using RetinA as they were getting into their 40's when their skin became drier and more sensitive. They found their skin reacted badly to RetinA, causing irritation. Renova was designed to address that problem.
Other Products
Over the years other creams emerged to compete with RetinA - products such as Avita, and Differin, which were introduced as a cheaper, milder form of RetinA. Tazorac is another product and is generally used for oily skin and blackheads. All of them are topical Vitamin A preparations and need to be treated with the same caution, as they can cause the same symptoms on initial applications. All of them are likely to cause some skin irritation initially and, in some cases, acne flare-ups. They come in the form of gels, creams or solutions. Creams moisturize and gels dry, so they are used for different types of skin.
All these products use a side effect of Vitamin A application: the drying effect it has on the skin causing it to shed cells, which reduces the potential for blockages. They all do what they are supposed to do but they do need to be used with care and under the guidance of a health professional.
About the author:
Tony Burnell has followed a healthy diet and regular exercise for many years and has enjoyed the benefits. He has an interest in following and promoting natural solutions to health problems - particularly since a smart doctor helped him beat chronic fatigue syndrome without using drugs. Find out about a successful program designed by an ex-acne sufferer and health professional, which will fix your acne problem once and for all at http://www.mynaturalacnecure.info
