How Do Topical Retinoid-like Agents Work?

Topical retinoids are a class of medications that are derivatives of or related to vitamin A. They are used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, blackheads, and skin aging.

Topical retinoids are available as over the counter medications in the form of creams, ointments lotions, and gels to be applied directly to the skin.

Topical retinoids work in the following ways:

• Topical retinoid-like agents act on the middle layer of the skin and help neutralize free radicals, which boost the production of elastin and collagen.
• This results in a “plumping effect” that helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• They promote the exfoliation of dead skin cells and boost the production of new skin cells that help in improving skin texture and tone.
• They reduce acne outbreaks by preventing the dead cells to clog into pores.
• In addition, they can unclog the pores, enhancing the penetration of other medicated creams and gels and thus prolonging the remission period of acne.

Follow these instructions for proper use:

• Clean the affected area with water
• Pat dry the area and let it rest for 30 minutes
• Apply a small amount of cream/gel/lotion gently on the affected area
• Use the medication twice a day
• Do not get it in your eyes or mouth
• Wash your hands after use
• Apply sunscreen to exposed skin every morning

Topical retinoid-like agents are useful in treating:

• Acne vulgaris (can reduce the severity of acne scarring)
• Blackheads/whiteheads
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin)
• Psoriasis (a chronic skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin)
• Keratosis pilaris (a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, hard bumps that may make your skin feel like sandpaper)
• Photoaging (premature skin aging caused by overexposure to the sun’s rays)
• Freckles (flat small tan or light-brown spots on sun-exposed skin)
• Uneven skin texture
• Solar lentigines (harmless patch of darkened skin resulting from exposure to ultraviolet radiation)
• Solar comedones (a small skin colored papule found on the face)
• Acitinic keratosis (a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure)
• Melasma (a common pigmentation disorder that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin, primarily on the face)
• Kaposi sarcoma (cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels)
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (temporary pigmentation that follows an injury, a thermal burn, or inflammatory disorder of the skin)

Topical retinoids can irritate the skin initially in people with sensitive skin, but will likely improve within a few weeks of use.

Common side effects include:

• Redness
• Drying and/or peeling of skin
• Skin hot to touch
• Swelling
• Blistering (a raised portion of skin that is filled with fluid)
• Pruritis (itching)
• Worsening of acne that usually resolves
• Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
• Other rare side effects include:
• Aggravation of eczema
• Sunburn
• Skin discoloration
• Trouble breathing
• Allergic reaction
• Hives
• Rash
• Itching/swelling 

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:                              

• Aklief
• Arazlo
• Avage
• Fabior
• Mequinol/tretinoin
• Solage
• Tazarotene
• Tazorac
• Trifarotene