A-Ret Gel is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical A-Ret Gel is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. A-Ret Gel irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow (divide) and die more rapidly, increasing the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in the skin actually is reduced.
In patients with acne, new cells replace the cells of existing pimples, and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, tretinoin can reduce some wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, all of which occur in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after 3 to 6 months. Following application to the skin, a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into the body.
When using A-Ret Gel avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). A-Ret Gel can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting A-Ret Gel in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use A-Ret Gel on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using A-Ret Gel.
Use this cream for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using A-Ret Gel to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
