Oral tretinoin can cause birth defects, and women should avoid Retin-A when pregnant or trying to conceive. Almost all patients experience redness, scaling, burning, and itching after two or three days that can last up to three months. If therapy is discontinued, side effects may recur when therapy is resumed. Some patients apply Retin-A to their neck, chest, hands and forearms as well as the face. The cream should be applied at least twice a week.
Noticeable improvement takes from two to six months.
Because Retin-A may increase a patient's sensitivity to the sun, a thin coat is best administered at bedtime. A sunblock should be worn during the day, and overexposure to the sun should be avoided. Topical Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Alpha hydroxy acids facilitate the shedding of surface cells by softening the glue that holds them together, thus giving older skin a youthful rosy glow. They may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.