Acne Treatment with Topical Retinoids Retin-A

Dr. Thomas P. Habif, MD discusses Acne Treatment with Topical Retinoids Retin-A. See more at www.dermnet.com PLEASE RATE AND COMMENT!!! Topical retinoids are the foundation for the treatment of acne. They are effective for comedonal and inflammatory acne. Mechanism of action Retinoids normalize keratinization. They increase the turnover of follicular epithelial cells, corneocytes are shed at an accelerated rate and comedones are extruded. New comedone formation is inhibited. Retinoid Formulation The choice of vehicle is important. Creams are used for dry sensitive skin, gels are for patients with oily skin. Tretinoin was the first retinoid. It may cause irritation and improvement may not occur for 1-3 months. Tretinoin is not stable in sunlight. Tretinoin (Retin-A and generics) Cream 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% Gel: 0.01%, 0.025% Solution: 0.05% Tretinoin in other vehicles Microsphere vehicle (Retin-A Micro): 0.04% gel, 0.1% gel Adapalene is a derivative of tretinoin. It is stable in sunlight and resistant to oxidation by benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene has a low irritation potential and no phototoxicity. Third-generation topical retinoids Adapalene (Differin): 0.1% gel, 0.1% solution, 0.1% pledgets, 0.1% cream Tazarotene is a synthetic retinoid that is effective for acne and psoriasis. Tretinoin and adapalene are category C drugs, and tazarotene is a Category X drug. This difference in categorization by the FDA is based on the use of tazarotene in the treatment of psoriasis Third …