Retinoids are one of the first medications prescribed for dermatology patients with trouble skin. Retinoids are extremely common medications that have been used for years and years. Applied topically, retinoids are available only with a prescription and offer many benefits to the skin including clearing acne, unclogging pores and slowing the signs of aging.
Common brand names for these drugs include Retin-A and Differin. You may have heard of over the counter medications containing retinol – however these products are not as strong or as effective as prescription retinoids. Because of their incredibly strength, there are things to take into consideration before beginning to use prescription retinoids.
First, you cannot use retinoid products if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Failing to do so can lead to birth defects. Additionally you should be aware that when you first start using retinoids, you skin will become worse before it gets better. Your skin may also peel, meaning that you can no longer wax you facial skin, including your eyebrows.
On more optimistic notes, retinoids are less expensive than you may think and are very powerful – meaning you only need one small drop for your entire face. Finally, it’s important to be aware that retinoids make your skin extra-sensitive to the sun meaning that that wearing sunblock every day is a must.
