External retinoids
Normalizing the follicle cell lifecycle. A group of
medications for this are topical retinoids such as
tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand
name Differin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac).
Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A,
but they are administered as topicals and generally
have much milder side effects. They can, however,
cause significant irritation of the skin. The
retinoids appear to influence the cell creation and
death lifecycle of cells in the follicle lining.
This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these
cells that can create a blockage. Retinol, a form of
vitamin A, has similar but milder effects and is
used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other
topical products. Effective topical retinoids have
been in use over 30 years but are available only on
prescription so are not as widely used as the other
topical treatments.
Thanks...Very happy with the Zenmed treatment system.
