Guide To Common Prescription Acne Medications

Tretinoin

Vitamin A is one of the most crucial vitamins for skin health. This is why tretinoin, a synthetic version of vitamin A, is often recommended as an acne treatment. Tretinoin is a topical medication. It can treat many types of acne, including inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. This medication works by speeding up the skin's natural healing process. Part of this process involves replacing dead skin cells with new ones. This is vital as dead skin cells are a major contributor to acne.

Women are more likely to benefit from using this medication than men. However, they are also more likely to experience side effects. Skin irritation and dryness where tretinoin was applied are the two most commonly reported side effects. Thankfully, side effects are rare and fairly mild when they do occur. Additionally, most side effects disappear as patients continue using the medication. Tretinoin is frequently prescribed to older children with acne because it is generally safe and well-tolerated.