Retin-A (tretinoin) is a topical medication used to treat acne. It works by speeding up the process of skin renewal helping to keep the pores clean. You need to take into consideration the following conditions that may affect the efficiency of your treatment: allergies to any drugs, especially acitretin, etretinate, isotretinoin, tretinoin, or vitamin A preparations; pregnancy or breastfeeding (it is not known whether topical tretinoin can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk affecting the health of a nursing infant); and a number of medical conditions, such as sunburn, seborrheic, eczema or dermatitis.

When you are using topical tretinoin it’s very important that your doctor know you are also taking other drugs that can cause interference. Retin-A should not be used on skin that is chapped or irritated, on open wounds, around eyes, lips or inside the nose. If you accidentally get some of the cream on these areas wash the medication with some water. Follow your doctor’s indications or directions on the label. If you are using the topical form apply just enough of this medicine to cover the affected area and rub in gently. You need a small amount of Retin-A (a pea-size amount to cover the whole face). Using more of this medicine will not improve your result.