Buy Retin-A (Tretinoin) Gel

What is Retin-A?

Retin-A (Tretinoin 0.025%) is a prescription only medication and is used in the treatment of acne, fine lines and wrinkles but is more suited to people with oily skin. 

What is it used for?

• It is used to treat acne also called acne vulgaris.
• Retin-A is also used for improving fine lines and wrinkles.
• Retin-A is also used for treating scars.

Retin-A has been shown to attenuate and reverse the signs of photodamage, such as coarse wrinkling.^[1] Topical retinoids have shown beneficial efficacy and good safety profiles in the management of photodamaged skin, and as therapeutic anti-ageing agents.^[2] It has been found that topical application of retinoic acid (0.025%) to chronically photodamaged skin regenerated and restored elastic fibers, and that there was a significant positive correlation between the amount of newly regenerated elastic fiber and the wrinkle improvement caused by retinoic acid.^[3]

For scar treatment, medical papers show that excellent improvement was observed in the majority of patients (73.3%) in recent trials using tretinoin 0.025%.^[4]

How does it work?

Retin-A gel contains the active ingredient tretinoin 0.025%, which is a form of vitamin A used in the treatment of acne. It is not known exactly how tretinoin works, but it is thought to loosen the cells in the surface of the skin. This helps to unblock pores, so that the skin's natural oil producing glands can function normally. In addition, tretinoin increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin. This also helps to unblock pores and decrease the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots.

How long does it take to work?

It may seem like your acne has got worse in the early weeks of treatment. This is due to the action of the medicine on deep, previously unseen blackheads and papules. It may take six to eight weeks before definite beneficial effects on the skin can be seen.

How can I buy Retin-A online

You can buy Retin-A online with or without a prescription at Medical Specialists, after completing a simple online consultation. If you prefer to order Retin-A UK over the phone, just give us a call and we will be pleased to help. We are the UK’s leading supplier of acne and anti wrinkle treatment online, and Retin-A for sale in the UK by a pharmacy is regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

For full patient information, please read or print out the leaflet provided at the bottom of this page about Retin-A.

References:

1. Ting W. (2010) "Tretinoin for the treatment of photodamaged skin." Cutis. 86(1):47-52.PMID 21049767

2.Darlenski R. et al (2010) " Topical retinoids in the management of photodamaged skin: from theory to evidence-based practical approach." Br J Dermatol.163(6) PMID 20633013

3 .Lee JY. et al (2010) "Loss of elastic fibers causes skin wrinkles in sun-damaged human skin. " J Dermatol Sci. ;50(2):99-107.PMID 18201872

4. Khunger N. et al (2011) "Evaluation of CROSS technique with 100% TCA in the management of ice pick acne scars in darker skin types." J Cosmet Dermatol. 10(1):51-7. PMID 21332915

Possible side effects when using Retin-A

Like all medicines, Retin-A can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop using Retin-A and tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects. You may need medical treatment.

• Severe irritation or reddening of your skin or other signs of allergy during the first few days of treatment. This only happens in a small number of people.
• Blistering or crusting skin.
• A burning feeling on the skin or swollen skin.
  
• Your eye or eyes become swollen or irritated.

The side effects listed below usually go away as treatment continues.

• Dry or peeling skin. This may go on for longer than the other side effects in this list.
• Warm skin or skin which stings.
• Itchy or red skin, or a skin rash.
• Light or dark patches on your skin.

If any of the above are severe or last for a long time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
It is not known whether using Retin-A can increase the risk of skin tumours caused by sunlight. 

Do not use Retin-A if:

• You are allergic to anything in Retin-A gel.
  
• You have ever had a tumour of the top layer of your skin, or if this condition runs in your family.
  
• You have inflamed, red, dry and scaly skin (eczema).
  
• You have a skin problem which can cause redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead (acne rosacea).
  
• The skin around your mouth is irritated (peri-oral dermatitis).
  
• You have sunburn or skin irritation with redness, peeling or itching. Your skin will need time to recover from this before you start using Retin-A.
  
• You have been using a skin peeling agent (which removes the top layers of your skin). Your skin will need time to recover before you start using Retin-A.
   
  Do not use this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Retin-A.

Using other skin products

You should not use harsh (astringent) or rough (exfoliating) cosmetic products while using Retin-A. This includes skin peeling agents (which remove the top layers of the skin) or products that contain alcohol. It also includes products which have a strong drying effect on your skin (such as some face masks, cleansers or toners)
You may use ordinary make-up or moisturisers but do not apply them at the same time as Retin-A

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines that you buy without a prescription or herbal medicines. This is because Retin-A can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some other medicines can affect the way Retin-A works.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or might become pregnant. This is because it may affect the baby.

Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Retin-A

Retin-A gel contains butylated hydroxytoluene (E321). This can irritate your eyes, eyelids, mouth and nostrils if it comes into contact with them