How to Use Retin-A to Stop Scarring

Tretinoin, also known as Retin-A, is synthetic form of vitamin A that expedites skin cell regrowth and renewal. Retin-A is only available with a prescription, and effectively treats a wide range of skin issues including premature aging, discoloration, acne and acne scaring. A 2004 study at the Sarajevo University Hospital Center concluded that treating facial acne scars with Retin-A reduced the scar tissue up to 79 percent, depending on age and depth of the scar. Curtailing your own acne scarring with Retin-A isn't difficult, provided you follow certain precautions and steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Apply Retin-A at night only. Begin by washing your face, removing any surface dirt and oil. Pat skin gently dry without rubbing. As with any topical medication, the absence of skin impurities increases the efficacy of Retin-A.

• 2

  Smooth pea-sized dabs of Retin-A over the affected area and gently blend the cream into your skin. You may experience a feeling of warmth or tingling in the first week of product use. This feeling is normal and occurs as Retin-A chemically sloughs away thin layers of your skin.

• 3

  Apply sunscreen the following morning. Retin-A works by exposing new layers of skin. New skin is also highly prone to sunburn. Increased sun sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of Retin-A.

• 4

  Continue applying Retin-A cream to your acne scars each night after washing your face. Understand that as your skin generates new layers, your face may initially appear more aggravated than before you began treatment, this is completely normal and will subside with time. Continue the treatment for 6 weeks or longer, as recommended by your doctor.