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One of the most common ways of treating acne is the use of retinoids. Retinoids are substances derived from Vitamin A, which attempt to cure acne by normalizing the lifecycle of follicle cells. There are two types of such substances, based on application: external (topical) and oral. The best known external retinoids are Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, while the oral retinoids list is headed by the popular Accutane.
“The biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure.”
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and share the parent substance’s effects of reducing the secretion of oil from the glands located in the skin. This primary effect is what makes retinoids so effective against acne. The long-term (4-6 months) decrease in oil secretion means that hair follicles are less likely to clog and turn into pimples and, in most cases, acne is gone for good by the end of the treatment period. However, about one quarter of the patients who used Accutane or other drugs based on isotretinoin may relapse and require additional treatment.
Side Effects of Retinoids
But the biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure. Retinoids are used only under the close supervision of a dermatologist precisely because of these side effects. If a patient needs more than one treatment, the doctor will always insist on letting a few months pass between the treatments in order to give the body a chance to recover. The most common side effects are dry skin and nosebleeds. Many patients have also reported liver problems, while a few complained of depression.
However, the scientific community is still split on the issue of depression. More seriously, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects, which is why female patients have to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence during the treatment. Pregnant women are not allowed to use anything but the mildest treatments.
The bottom line is that retinoids are a good idea if one can cope
with the side effects.
This begs the question: why not use something just as effective,
but without the side effects. Acne treatment systems, such as
ClearPores,
are also popular because of their success in dealing with the
condition, but lack the extreme side that makes retinoids a pain
to use. The choice between these treatments is yours.
Glossary of terms found on this page:
More Information about Retinoids
In Wikipedia
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. Retinoids have many important and diverse functions throughout the body including roles in vision, regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, growth of bone tissue, immune function, and activation of tumor suppressor genes. Research is also being done into their ability to treat skin cancers. Currently 9-cis retinoic acid may be used topically to help treat skin lesions from Kaposi's sarcoma.
wikipedia.orgOn Oprah
The term describes vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin—sometimes in as little as four weeks. The first retinoid—tretinoin—was FDA approved (under the brand name Retin-A) almost 40 years ago as a prescription acne treatment. Dermatologists soon noticed that patients on Retin-A experienced not just clearer but softer, brighter, less-lined skin. Today there are three prescription-strength retinoids: tretinoin (brands include Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin).
www.oprah.comBest Anti Aging Product, Retinoids, Vitamin A?
Most women want to Love the Years, Erase the Lines. What ingredients have decades of research proving they can turn around aging skin? Only retinoids, which have been shown in studies to do everything from smoothing fine lines and fading dark spots to making pores look smaller. The downside: These vitamin-A derivatives cause so much irritation that many women give up. That's where this complete guide comes in. Whether you're a retinoid rookie or a dropout, you'll learn to pick the best anti-aging product and use it right--so the only "side effect" you have is younger, more sensational-looking skin.
prevention.com