Retinoids as Acne Medication

The Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine, primarily due to the way they regulate epithelial cell growth. via wikipedia.org

Retinoids are a form of acne medication that is derived from vitamin A and can be applied directly to the skin typicaly in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Examples of these are tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Diferin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac).

Oral retinoids (such as isotretinoin–marketed as Accutane, Sotret) are used to treat the more severe forms of acne, because they have a beter chance of dealing breakouts and lesions which don’t respond to other treatments. Oral retinoids cause the upper layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the body to produce less sebum – the substance which causes oily skin.

As with many other types of prescription strength medication, a number of serious side efects are associated with oral retinoids. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical atention is needed to make sure the patient is not being adversely afected by retinoid treatment. It is not unheard of for this kind of medication to cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so females should consult their doctor if pregnant, or suspect pregnancy.