Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A and was invented more than 25 years ago as a treatment for acne. Since its invention, cosmetic companies have used the formula to develop topical Retin-A and vitamin A creams.

Retin-A Creams

The active ingredient in Retin-A creams is tretinoin, which is an acid form of vitamin A. Many people think that Retin-A creams are primarily exfoliants, but in actuality, they are not. The active ingredient in Retin-A creams, tretinoin, affects and improves actual skin cell production deep in the dermis. Exfoliants , on the other hand, simply remove layers of skin cells.

Retin-A creams are an extremely effective treatment for acne. They can also provide treatment for other skin concerns, such as:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Blackheads
• Sun-damaged skin
• Skin discoloration
• Thickened skin

Vitamin A Creams

The benefits of vitamin A have been known for years. Before Retin-A was developed, dermatologists used an oral dosing of vitamin A to help treat acne and other skin conditions. Recently, cosmetic companies have begun to focus on developing vitamin A creams that can be applied to the skin topically.

Vitamin A creams are an effective treatment for acne and can also provide superficial exfoliation of the skin. Topical creams containing vitamin A can also be used to treat the following skin concerns:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Oily skin
• Flat warts
• Precancerous skin lesions
• Psoriasis
• Ichthyoses
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP)
• Mycosis fungoides

Using Retin-A and Vitamin A Creams

Though these creams can dramatically increase the health of your skin, they can also have unpleasant side effects. If you have really   oily skin, you may want to consider using a topical gel rather than a cream. Creams hydrate your skin, while gels have drying properties.

Though they are better than gels, the ingredients in both Retin-A creams and vitamin A creams may still dry out the skin. If you are using either type of cream and you experience a painful tightening of the skin or flaking skin, you may want to consider using another type of skin treatment.

No matter what treatment you choose, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. These treatments can be dangerous to use in combination with tanning. When tanning, do not apply Retin-A or vitamin A products to the skin. Instead, use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from sun and UV damage.

Related Articles
	Retin A: a Weapon Against the Signs of Aging When you hear Retin A, chances are you think of a product developed and marketed for the treatment of acne in young adults rather than an anti-aging weapon. That is because Retin A`s was, in fact, initially prescribed to treat adolescent acne and has done so successfully for the past two decades   ...Read more		Skincare Ingredients – What Do they Mean? You’re at the cosmetic counter at the mall, looking to invest in a few new products for your skin. You choose several products and compare the ingredients, but you ask yourself, what is hyaluronic acid? Or, you’re at the drugstore and notice your cleanser has new packaging with headlines   ...Read more