Search this site Search Home Page
Search Tips
members Home
Topical Retinoids (Retin A/Differin/Tazarac/Avita)

Topical Retinoids
Retin A /Differin/Tazarac/Avita

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. Begin by using the topical retinoid every other night before bedtime. After one or two weeks, if no irritation has occurred (redness, chapping or itching), increase use to nightly.

(If you have more sensitive skin your doctor may recommend that you use the topical retinoid only 2 times per week(i.e Mon and Thurs) and then increase to every other night and then nightly)

2. Wait 10-20 minutes after washing your face to apply the retinoid. Wet or moist skin may absorb the medication too quickly causing additional irritation.

3. Apply a tiny amount of medication to form an invisible film on the skin. Use an amount no larger than the size of a pea for the entire face. Be particularly careful when applying around the eyes, nostrils and mouth since these areas are particularly susceptible to irritation. If the medication accidentally gets into eyes, it may cause severe irritation.

4. Wash the retinoid off in the morning and apply sunscreen. Daily sun protection is important because The topical retinoid may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and other adverse effects of the sun.

Recommended cleansers

  • Neutrogena® Oil Free Acne Wash
  • Purpose® Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser

Recommended Moisturizers

  • Neutrogena® Oil free Moisture with SPF 15
  • Oil of Olay® Oil free Moisturizer with SPF 15
  • Purpose® Dual Treatment Moisture with SPF 15

5. The beneficial effects of the medication occur only for as long as the drug is used. If application is stopped, the skin returns to its previous state.

PRECAUTIONS AND REACTIONS

1. Topical retinoids should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.

2. Topical retinoids can cause skin irritations. Please review the instructions for use.

3. Topical retinoids makes the skin more sensitive to the sun.

4. Benzoyl peroxide interferes with the efficacy of topical Retinoids. If you are using both topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide products use one in the morning and the other in the evening.