A-Ret (Tretinoin 0.1%) Gel

A-Ret Gel general information

What is A-Ret Gel used for?

A-Ret Gel 0.1% is a topical medication used to treat acne vulgaris, to prevent the formation and spread of pimples (papules), spots or whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones).  A-Ret Gel 0.1% is an oil-free microsphere gel, particularly useful for oily skin and works by combating the processes in the skin that cause clogged pores and lead to pimples, spots and blackheads associated with acne, helping to clear up these skin blemishes as well as preventing the outbreak of new acne. 
A-Ret Gel 0.1% is also used to treat melasma, which is patches of discolouration of the skin due to overproduction of the skin pigment melanin and that can be caused by sun damage to the skin.  A-Ret Gel 0.1% is also used to reduce visible signs of aging of the skin due to sun damage (photoaging) such as fine lines and wrinkles.

How does A-Ret Gel work?

A-Ret Gel 0.1% contains tretinoin, which is an active metabolite of Vitamin A that is used to treat acne and sun damaged skin.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% binds to intracellular receptors and modifies the way skin cells behave to regulate the growth and regeneration of the outer layers of skin.  Comedones (blackheads) form in hair follicles that become blocked by excess keratinized (hardened) epithelial skin cells.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% is a keratolytic and comedolytic medication that prevents formation of new pimples and blackheads by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and increasing the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting growth of new skin cells.  The combined effect of these actions is to speed up skin cell turnover, clear up pimples and blackheads, promote normal flow of sebum and reduce the spread of acne.  Changes in skin structure related to photodamage include increased pigmentation and formation of wrinkles.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% increases skin cell turnover in areas of damaged skin thereby promoting formation of new skin cells to replace skin cells in damaged areas of skin.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% also enhances penetration of other drugs into the skin, when used in conjunction with A-Ret Gel. 

What does A-Ret Gel contain?

A-Ret Gel 0.1% contains active ingredient tretinoin, a topical keratolytic medication used to treat acne and sun damaged skin.  

Treating acne with A-Ret Gel

A-Ret Gel 0.1% contains tretinoin which is an active metabolite of Vitamin A and is used to treat acne.  Acne forms when over stimulation of the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles), which often happens in response a surge of androgen hormones at puberty, causes pores to become clogged with dead skin, and leads to the formation of new pimples, whitehead and blackheads (comedones), which can become infected and inflamed.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% is a keratolytic and comedolytic medication that changes the way skin cells grow and behave.  It works by preventing the formation of new pimples and blackheads by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and increasing the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting growth of new skin cells.  The combined effect of these actions is to unblock pores and prevent them becoming clogged and inflamed, which reduces the outbreak of new pimples as well as clearing up existing blemishes; also to speed up skin cell turnover and help the natural exfoliation process of the outer skin layer, which helps clear up pimples and blackheads and reduces the spread of acne. 

A-Ret Gel for damaged skin

A-Ret Gel 0.1% contains tretinoin which is an active metabolite of Vitamin A and is used to reduce visible signs of aging of the skin due to sun damage (photoaging), such as fine lines and wrinkles.  Also to treat melasma, which is patches of discolouration of the skin due to overproduction of the skin pigment melanin that can be caused by sun damage to the skin.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% is a keratolytic and comedolytic medication that changes the way skin cells grow and behave.  It works by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and increasing the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting growth of new skin cells.  Tretinoin in A-Ret Gel 0.1% increases skin cell turnover in areas of damaged skin thereby promoting formation of new skin cells to replace skin cells in damaged areas of skin.  

What are the side effects of A-Ret Gel?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking A-Ret Gel 0.1% include itching, dryness, redness, burning or peeling at the site of application; these effects are usually mild and happen when you start treatment.

When should A-Ret Gel not be used?

You should not use A-Ret Gel if you:

• are allergic to tretinoin or any ingredients in A-Ret Gel
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, as tretinoin may cause birth defects
• have a skin condition such as rosacea or perioral dermatitis
• have a personal or familial history of cutaneous epithelioma
• are using any topical skin peeling medication containing sulphur, resorcinal or salicylic acid
• are exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods; if unavoidable use a sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas to protect the skin.
• are using other topical medications

Should you avoid exposure to sun?

You should avoid or at least minimize unprotected exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, while using A-Ret Gel 0.1%, as tretinoin can increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause burning.  Also if you have sunburn, you should wait until your skin has healed before using A-Ret gel.  If you cannot avoid exposure to sun because of your occupation, for example, make sure you use a sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas to protect the skin. 

How should A-Ret Gel be used?

You should apply your A-Ret Gel 0.1% to the affected area of the skin once daily, preferably in the evening before going to bed.  Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the skin.  Do not use large amounts or apply A-Ret Gel 0.1% more often than directed, as your skin will not clear up faster; instead you may increase risk of side effects like skin irritation.  Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, inside of the nose and mouth, which are easily irritated areas, or other areas where treatment is not intended.  Do not apply to severely inflamed skin or to open lesions.  You should continue to use your A-Ret Gel 0.1% for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor, until your skin has cleared up and there are no more acne lesions, which may take up to 6-8 weeks, although you should see signs of improvement after 2 weeks.  You may continue to use your A-Ret Gel 0.1% to maintain your skin after the acne has cleared, depending on your doctor’s recommendations. 

How long should you use A-Ret Gel?

You should continue to use your A-Ret Gel 0.1% for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor, until your skin has cleared up and there are no more acne lesions, which may take up to 6-8 weeks, although you should see signs of improvement after 2 weeks.  You may continue to use your A-Ret Gel 0.1% to maintain your skin after the acne has cleared, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

Missed dose of A-Ret Gel

If you miss a dose of A-Ret Gel apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should A-Ret Gel be stored?

You should store your A-Ret Gel below 25°C in a cool dry place.