Topical Retinoids - Topical Retinoids

Topical Retinoids
By Angela Palmer, About.com
Updated: August 6, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Medications derived from vitamin A. When applied topically, retinoids increase cell turnover, helping unblock pores and reduce acne breakouts. Topical retinoids can improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and because they have been shown to stimulate collage production in the skin, retinoids are often used as anti-aging treatments as well.

Topical retinoids commonly used as acne treatments include:

* tretinoin (Retin A, Retin-A Micro, Avita)
* adapalene (Differin)
* tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac)

Common side effects of topical retinoids include dryness, peeling and flaking, redness, itching or stinging, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Less often, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or severe swelling, burning, or crusting of the skin can occur.