Overview

Almost every adult has experienced acne at one point in their life or another. Acne is common, yet the effects can be long-lasting and stressful. If you picked at a pimple and didn't allow it to heal properly, you may get scarring. Scars from acne can last for years. Luckily, a cream called Retin-A can reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne.

About Retin-A

Retin-A is a cream or gel treatment used for the skin, which is a derivative of vitamin A. According to San Francisco State University, tretoin is the generic name, and the drug is sold under several brand names, including Retin-A, Avita and Retinova. The strength of Retin-A varies based upon what a dermatologist prescribes. The primary purpose of Retin-A is for reducing acne. It is also used to even skin tone, reduce wrinkles and decrease scarring.

Preventing Acne

The primary purpose of Retin-A is to reduce and prevent acne, according to San Francisco State University. It is effective for treating acne because it unclogs pores and prevents future pimples from forming. Retin-A decreases the amount of oil that the glands on the skin produce, so acne is less frequent. The fewer pimples you have, the fewer acne scars will form.

Minimizing Acne Scars

Though preventing acne is the primary purpose of Retin-A, it is effective in minimizing acne scars as well. San Francisco State University states that over time, Retin-A redistributes the amount of melanin in your skin, which lightens dark spots, like acne scars, and evens the overall skin tone. Retin-A decreases acne scars, but only with consistent, proper use.

Side Effects

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the stronger the Retin-A cream or gel is, the higher the chance of side effects. It notes that common side effects include dryness and scaling of the skin. In rare cases, Retin-A may cause swelling, blistering and a stinging feeling on the skin in the area which it is applied.

Contraindications

Retin-A should not be used by anyone who is pregnant because it could harm the fetus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It can also enter breast milk and therefore, should not be used by breastfeeding woman. Because Retin-A tends to make the skin more sensitive, it should be avoided by anyone with a sunburn. You should also avoid getting any waxing services from salons if you use Retin-A.