THE PROS AND
CONS OF RETINOIDS
© By Elizabeth Radisson
One of the most common ways of treating acne is the use of retinoids. Retinoids are substances derived from Vitamin A, which attempt to cure acne by normalizing the lifecycle of follicle cells. There are two types of such substances, based on application: external (topical) and oral. The best-known external retinoids are Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, while the oral retinoids list is headed by the popular Accutane.
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and share the parent substance’s effects of reducing the secretion of oil from the glands located in the skin. This primary effect is what makes retinoids so effective against acne. The long-term (4-6 months) decrease in oil secretion means that hair follicles are less likely to clog and turn into pimples and, in most cases, acne is gone for good by the end of the treatment period. However, about one quarter of the patients who used Accutane or other drugs based on isotretinoin may relapse and require additional treatment.
The biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure. Retinoids are used only under the close supervision of a dermatologist precisely because of these side effects. If a patient needs more than one treatment, the doctor will always insist on letting a few months pass between the treatments in order to give the body a chance to recover. The most common side effects are dry skin and nosebleeds. Many patients have also reported liver problems, while a few complained of depression. However, the scientific community is still split on the issue of depression. More seriously, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects, which is why female patients have to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence during the treatment. Pregnant women are not allowed to use anything but the mildest treatments.
The bottom line is that retinoids are a good idea if one can cope with the side effects. This begs the question: why not use something just as effective, but without the side effects. Acne treatment systems, such as ClearPores, are also popular because of their success in dealing with the condition, but lack the extreme side that makes retinoids a pain to use. The choice between these treatments is yours.
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