Retin-A [Tretinoin], Gel, Cream, and Liquid, marketed by OrthoNeutrogena, a division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc is a 3, 7-dimethyl-9-(2, 6, 6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl) -nona-2, 4, 6, 8-tetraenoic acid. Chemically, Retin-A [Tretinoin] is all-trans-retinoic acid. It is used in the treatment of acne vulgaris and keratosis pilaris.
Acne vulgaris:
Well, almost each and everyone has some other the time in their adolescent suffered from acne vulgaris, commonly called pimples. What is acne exactly? Our skin especially, over the face has a structure called as the pilo-sebaceous unit [skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland]. It contains the hair follicle and the sebum gland along with its duct. Now, the function of sebum gland is to secrete sebum which then gets expressed on the skin surface. It has got some antibacterial property. Sebum is oily in consistency and if there is increased expression of sebum then it might block the opening of the pilo-sebaceous duct. Due to this there is no drainage from the duct and this leads to the development of comedones. They are initially white, also called as white comedones and later they form black comedones. These comedones eventually lead to the formation of pimples. The most common site […]
Protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays is widely recognized as one of the best ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. You may not know it, but skin care experts attribute unprotected sun exposure as the cause of more than 85% of skin aging. From wrinkles to saggy skin and age spots, keeping your skin protected against UVA and UVB rays is the simplest and least costly anti aging treatment available today. What’s more important than keeping skin looking young, however, is that protecting skin from the sun can also help to protect you against skin cancer, which is on the rise worldwide.
Important Characteristics of a Sunscreen
In order to protect skin well, a sunscreen must posses certain characteristics:
1. It must protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are shorter rays that cause tanning and sunburns. They are most prevalent during the summer and between the hours of 10am and 4pm. During these times, protection from UVB rays is important if you want to avoid a sunburn. UVA rays, are prevalent year round, during the winter and even on cloudy days. They can penetrate through windows and travel deeper through the skin where they can […]
If you’re concerned about keeping skin looking young and healthy as you age, then there are a number of things that are important:
1.Apply a broad spectrum UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen every day, year round
2.Make diligent use of antioxidants like Vitamin C to fight against free radical damage generated by sun exposure and pollution
3.Exfoliate regularly with alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin and stimulate collagen production
4.Incorporate a retinoid into your skin care regimen.
What are Retinoids?
Retinoids are derivatives of the Vitamin A molecule. Traditionally used to treat acne, it’s widely recognized that they offer other skin benefits as well.
Retinoids are available by prescription or without. The prescription options are found in products such as Retin A, Tazorac and Avage. Extremely effective, many individuals find them too irritating and are unable to use them. If this is the case, then a non-prescription option, as found in retinol, makes a suitable alternative. While retinol must be broken down into retinoic acid in order to exert its action on skin cells, at suitable concentrations, studies have shown that users do see significant benefit to their skin.
Retinol Benefits
Retinols work by increasing the production of collagen, the skin’s supporting network. In addition, hyaluronic […]
