The most severe kind of acne, known as cystic acne, is characterize by outbreaks of painful, inflamed, infected, and red pimples that can grow deep within your skin.
Many cystic acne sufferers discover that their condition is chronic; with flare-ups lasting for years at a time despite using over-the-counter acne medications.
Fortunately, there are many solutions for managing and avoiding cystic acne. In this article, we’ll examine how Retin A Cream, a popular topical retinoid used to treat acne, could be able to help you manage your cystic acne outbreaks and avoid acne in the long run.
How Retin A Cream Works to Treat Acne
Topical retinoid, a vitamin A derivative used extensively in skincare, is what Retin A Cream is. It functions by accelerating your body’s rate of skin cell turnover; which is the process by which old skin cells are replaced by new ones.
Retin A Cream aids the epidermis’ lower, more recent layers in rising to the surface by quickening your body’s rate of skin cell turnover. It works almost like a fast-forward button, allowing your body to rehydrate your skin more frequently than it otherwise would.
Retin A Cream protects your skin from acne by hastening the removal of aging skin cells that can become trapped in oil-filled hair follicles. Due to sebum (oil) and skin cell accumulation, acne is less likely to occur as a result.
More information on the complete biological mechanism underlying Retin A Cream is provided in our guide to using it to prevent acne. The overall chance of getting whiteheads and blackheads on your face may be considerably decreased with continued usage of Retin A Cream 0.025 to maintain healthy, clear skin.
Research demonstrates this.
One 2009 study examined the effectiveness of 0.1 percent Retin A Cream gel microspheres versus standard 0.05 percent Retin A Cream gel (essentially a slow-release Retin A Cream gel). The 12-week trial, which had 1,537 participants, came to the conclusion that, compared to the placebo group, both the regular Retin A Cream gel and the Retin A Cream microsphere considerably reduced inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions.
Another 2015 study examined the effects of combining Retin A Cream with the oral antibiotic Clindamycin. The combination of Retin A Cream and Clindamycin decreased acne at the end of the 12-week study by 13.70%, 4.80%, and 1.30%, respectively.
Regular acne versus cystic acne
One of the worst types of acne is cystic. Cystic acne arises when a clogged hair follicle becomes infected with bacteria, as opposed to ordinary acne; which appears when a hair follicle becomes blocked with an oil and dead skin mixture.
Inflammation can result from bacteria getting inside the hair follicle. Pimples that are infect may swell, turn red, and fill with pus. In the event that they are accidentally bump or touch, they may become itchy, inflamed, and unpleasant.
Even worse, cystic acne is quite likely to spread. If one infect pimple pops, the bacteria can easily sneak under your fingernails or be caught within other hair follicles, leading to a significant breakout elsewhere on your face or body that can negatively impact your skin for months at a time.
Similar to ordinary acne, cystic acne is most prevalent in adolescents and those in their early to mid-twenties. In adults, it is know as adult-onset acne; however, it can affect people of all ages.
Is Retin-A Effective for Cystic Acne?
Although no research has specifically examined Retin a 0.05 Cream as a treatment for cystic acne, it has been extensively studied as a traditional acne treatment and is widely used. Additionally, doctors frequently prescribe it to treat patients with cystic acne.
Because acne and bacteria work together to cause cystic acne, most doctors combine two medications as part of a treatment plan: a retinoid (like Retin A Cream in cases of severe or persistent cystic acne) in addition to an antibiotic to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Retin A Cream does not kill germs on its own; thus, while it works well when used in conjunction with an antibiotic to cure cystic acne, it is typically insufficient on its own to do so.
Tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline, are frequently use in conjunction with Retin A to treat cystic acne. For young patients, in particular, some doctors will additionally prescribe topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin.
The drugs use to treat severe; recurrent cystic acne are cover in greater detail in our guide to prescription acne medication. Generally speaking, doctors frequently advise combining Retin A (or another topical or oral retinoid) with an antibiotic.
Antibiotics are typically administer for a brief time to kill germs and treat cystic acne in most patients; whereas Retin A is typically use for long-term acne treatment and prevention.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that everyone is unique, so a cystic acne treatment or preventive program you see online might not be the ideal choice for you. Speak with a skilled medical practitioner to find out the best course of action for treating your acne.
How to Use Retin A to Treat Acne
A cream, gel, or liquid solution are the most common forms in which Retin A Cream is distribute. You don’t need to bother with oral tablets, capsules, or anything else; all you have to do to utilize. It is apply it once daily to your clean, dry face (usually right before bed).
Our detailed guide to using Retin A for acne treatment and prevention includes a step-by-step tutorial for applying the cream, gel, or solution to your face. It also contains all of the details you need to know about using Retin A Cream to treat acne.