A-Ret Gel .05

Included is:

• One 20 gram tube of A-Ret Gel 0.05%
• Full instructional insert

More product information:

This is considered a medium-strength retinoid. A great choice for those looking to tackle aging skin and/or eliminate acne.

What is A-Ret Gel .05 (tretinoin)?

A-Ret Gel .05 (tretinoin) is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself—it is used to treat acne as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration and to increase skin smoothness. Tretinoin is the treatment of choice for comedonal acne, or whiteheads and blackheads. It works by increasing skin cell turnover, promoting the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle. It also prevents the formation of new comedones.

Tretinoin is also the only topical product that has been proven to improve wrinkles.

While tretinoin is extremely effective, results for acne improvement may take as much as 8-12 weeks of use before you notice improvement in your skin. Using more product or applying it more often than directed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Results for reduction of wrinkles can take up 6 months to a year.  The effect of increased skin cell turnover can be irritation and flaking. For this reason, many people stop using tretinoin after a couple of days to weeks, and then think that it didn’t work. Don’t stop using the product because of these common side effects. Improvement will come.

How Do I Apply It?

Wash your hands before and after applying A-Ret Gel. Then, wash your skin with a mild soap and dry gently. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the product; it is important for skin to be completely dry in order to minimize possible irritation—water can increase the intensity (and thus, side effects) of the product. Apply A-Ret Gel in a thin layer at night. A small amount goes a long way. Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying A-Ret Avoid the use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of A-Ret Gel. Keep the product away from the corners of the nose, mouth, eyes and open wounds. When you first start using A-Ret Gel, apply it every other night or every 3rd night. The flaking and irritation side effects are usually the worst in the first 2 weeks of application. As your skin adjusts to the medicine, you can apply it more frequently. In the morning after washing your face with a gentle cleanser, apply a good water-based moisturizer. The moisturizer will make the drying effect of the medicine more tolerable.

Cautions:

When using A-Ret Gel avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (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. Do not use A-Ret Gel on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this product in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using A-Ret Gel. You should not use A-Ret Gel if you are allergic to tretinoin. A-Ret Gel is for use only on the skin.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products can cause severe skin irritation if used with A-Ret Gel.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to tretinoin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using A-Ret Gel and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin; severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting. Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind while using this medicine. Common A-Ret Gel side effects may include: mild warmth or stinging where the medicine was applied; or changes in color of treated skin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If you miss a dose, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.