What is Retin-A®?
Retin-A® is a brand name for creams or gels that contain tretinoin topical, a derivative of vitamin A, as an active ingredient to treat acne. Tretinoin topical is available with a prescription under additional brand names such as Altinac, Avita, Renova, and Tretin-X. A less-potent version, retinol, is available in over-the-counter products. Acne is the most common skin disorder treated by doctors. Retin-A® is distributed by prescription and is a popular treatment for the form of acne that leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Bacteria known as propionibacterium acnes colonizes in the skin naturally. People with acne have more of this type of bacteria present in their skin and the bacteria attract things that clog up hair follicles. That then leads to irritation and red bumps flare up while blackheads and whiteheads form. Retin-A® combats whiteheads and blackheads by speeding up the production of new skin cells. Retin-A® also blocks additional blackheads and whiteheads from forming. Over
