Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Retin-A


These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Retin-A
Question: I am a 32 year old woman. I do not have any wrinkles on my face. Two months ago I started using retin-a cream as a preventive measure from wrinkles. Are there any side effects if I continue using this cream for a long time. Does retin-a cream have the FDA's approval as an anti-aging cream?

Answer: Retin-A(tretinoin) is a derivate of vitamin A. Topical use of this preparation is extremely effective in treating acne vulgaris. Reactions include dry skin, allergy, increased sunlight sensitivity-these all appear reversible on discontinuing the drug. It has not been approved by the FDA for "aging";however, in clinical practice continual use of this drug will markedly decrease aging lines. However, these lines tend to reoccur on discontinuing the drug.
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Last modified August 8, 1997