Retinoic ointment for pigment spots - a remedy for pigmentation on the face and body, methods of use, reviews

To preserve the beauty and youth of their skin, women mainly use cosmetics, but recently there has been an increased interest in pharmaceutical preparations. Retinoic ointment has a powerful anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effect. Let’s look at what helps and how to use it correctly.

What the instructions say

The main component of the product is isotretinoin, a synthetic analogue of retinol (vitamin A) . This substance was previously used to treat cancer, as it can stop the division of cancer cells. Then they discovered another property of isotretinoin - it is able to regulate the functioning of the fatty glands and reduce the growth of epithelium in the excretory ducts.

Let's look at how retinoic ointment works and why it helps when applied externally:

• restores skin;

• accelerates regeneration processes;

• improves cellular metabolism;

• acts as an immunomodulator;

• reduces sebum production;

• cleanses pores.

The main purpose of retinoic ointment is to combat skin inflammation; it is used to treat acne, blackheads, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and ichthyosis.

Isotretinoin is used in the fight against age-related facial aging, age spots and wrinkles. It is known that a lack of vitamin A causes the skin to become dry, flabby and wrinkled. Retinoids included in the ointment help slow down fading. They even out skin texture, improve complexion, and moisturize the skin. The components of the ointment penetrate deeply into the lower layers of the dermis and act at the level of dermal stem cells. They help produce your own collagen and ensure cell renewal.

Retinoic ointment is available in concentrations of 0.1% and 0.05%. It is yellowish in color, non-sticky, and is easily absorbed by the skin. In addition to isotretinoin, it contains:

• Butyloxyanisole – antioxidant;

• Glycerin and petroleum jelly are substances that additionally soften and moisturize the dermis;

• Ethyl alcohol is an antiseptic component;

• Wax – it acts as an emulsifier, provides hydrophilicity and is responsible for the texture of the ointment.

The best domestic ointments for blackheads

In the fight against blackheads, some prefer to use time-tested ointments from domestic manufacturers, which have a comprehensive effect on the skin.

Retinoic ointment

Retinoic ointment takes first place in the ranking of the best. It contains isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. Under the influence of this component, sebum production is reduced, and inflammation around the glands is eliminated. Along with the keratolytic effect, Retinoic ointment enhances tissue repair processes, relieves inflammation and has an antiseborrheic effect.

The consistency of Retinoic ointment is creamy. After application, it is quickly and completely absorbed. Distribute the products after preliminary cleansing of the skin on problem areas in the morning and evening. Duration of treatment is 1-3 months. The ointment is not prescribed to patients receiving other drugs from the retinoid group in order to reduce the risk of hypervitaminosis A.

For acne and comedones

The pharmaceutical drug can be used in the fight not only against juvenile acne, but also against acne in adulthood. Retinoic acne ointment helps even in advanced cases when there are subcutaneous nodules and papular-pustular rashes. It is used for acne and inflammation on the body.

Let's look at how retinoic acne ointment works:

1. The thickness of the epidermis decreases. When applied to the skin, the ointment has a slight irritating effect, as a result of which the cells of the surface layers of the skin exfoliate and fall off. A peeling effect occurs. As a result, the pores open and sebum stops accumulating in them.

2. Dissolves sebaceous plugs that clog pores. This property of retinoic ointment is used in the fight against comedones.

3. Reduces the activity of fatty glands , due to which acne is eliminated. After all, the main reason for their formation is excess sebum, which clogs the excretory ducts.

Allergic reactions are possible when using retinoids, so a skin test should be performed first. A small amount of ointment is applied to the elbow. If after 30 minutes itching, redness, or hives appear in this area, the product should not be used.

Rating of the best ointments for blackheads

Rules for using retinoic acne ointment

The product is applied only to cleansed and dried skin; it is not recommended to use a scrub for these purposes. In the presence of severe acne, use the product in a concentration of 0.1%. As the inflammatory elements on the skin decrease, they switch to a low concentration.

Apply the ointment pointwise to problem areas 2 times a day until completely absorbed; no need to rub in. The course of treatment should not last more than 12 weeks; in any case, a preliminary consultation with a dermatologist is required.

The most commonly used scheme is:

• 1-2 weeks – 0.1% ointment twice a day;

• 3 week – 0.05% concentration 2 times a day;

• 3 week – the product is used 1 time per day;

• Week 4 – applied every other day.

Judging by the reviews of dermatological patients, there is no dramatic improvement in appearance. On the contrary, a week after the start of treatment, peeling, redness appears, and acne worsens. This is due to the fact that dead cells are removed from the surface of the epidermis, and the activity of the sebaceous glands decreases. To reduce these manifestations, you can use compresses with decoctions of medicinal herbs.

Since retinoids have a rather active effect on the skin, it is recommended to use only mild moisturizing cosmetics during the treatment period. Which do not cause irritation. This could be baby milk or cream from the pharmacy. Additionally, you cannot apply other anti-acne medications to your face.

After 2 weeks, the condition improves: acne goes away, the skin looks clean and radiant. Some comedones disappear on their own, the rest disappear after mechanical removal.

Let's look at what retinoic ointment won't help with. The product is ineffective in the presence of subcutaneous scars, severe keratinization, and furunculosis.

Benefits of retinoic ointment for skin

Retinoic ointment is actively used for the face to solve basic aesthetic problems. Its properties will delight owners of all skin types, including sensitive ones. It’s easy to perform complete comprehensive care at home.

The use of ointment allows:

1. Remove dead epidermal cells.
2. Enable accelerated update.
3. Reduce the secretion of sebaceous glands.
4. Affects the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
5. Relieves pigmentation.
6. Regulates the concentration of melanin.
7. Effective against comedones.
8. Allows you to forget about acne.

The immune properties of the epidermis are significantly increased, and resistance to the action of external adverse factors increases. It is useful to use in a complex of facial skin care, as well as to improve the condition in the autumn-spring season, the recovery period after cosmetic procedures.

Composition and release forms

The drug is available in the form of an ointment, in tubes of 10, 15, 20, 35 g. Also, different concentrations of the main active ingredient isotretinoin are used: 0.05% and 0.1%. In addition to the base in the form of the most effective form of vitamin A, additional ingredients are also present.

The composition of the drug contains:

• isotretinoin;
• purified water;
• petrolatum;
• emulsion wax;
• dubinol;
• glycerol;
• ethanol;
• butyloxyniazole.

Retinoic ointment for wrinkles

The anti-aging properties of the ointment were not immediately discovered. After acne treatment, a miraculous transformation occurred: not only pimples and “blackheads” disappeared, but also shallow wrinkles. The skin became smoother, acquired tone and elasticity. This gave rise to the use of retinoic ointment for wrinkles. Its results in the rejuvenation process depend on the following:

• Isotretinoin acts as a chemical peel. After use, the upper dead cells are removed and the thickness of the stratum corneum is reduced.

• Isotretinoin acts on keratinocytes , the lowest cells of the epidermis. They begin to divide intensively, and skin renewal occurs. The resulting young cells attract water molecules, which increases the hydration of the dermis.

• Stimulates the production of your own connective tissue . As a result, the skin becomes elastic.

Rules for using retinoic ointment for wrinkles:

• Vitamin A analogue is applied to clean skin, preferably in the evening.

• Distribute in a thin layer, paying attention to problem areas - where wrinkles are more noticeable.

• Do not apply under the eyes or around the nose and mouth.

• Leave the ointment until completely absorbed, after 20 minutes the excess is removed with a napkin.

• After the end of the exposure time, wash the face with water and apply a moisturizer.

• Anti-aging procedures continue for 2-4 weeks.

Cosmetologists advise using the ointment in the off-season - in autumn and spring, when there is no significant solar insolation. Retinoids increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so pigment spots may appear. For the same reason, you should not sunbathe or visit a solarium during the procedure. Before going outside, you need to apply sunscreen.

Retinoic ointment for rejuvenation can be used from the age of 30, when the first signs of withering appear. So in the case of acne, you don’t need to wait for an immediate effect. A single use of a pharmaceutical product will not give an impressive result, but course use improves the condition of the dermis. The skin tone is evened out, it is cleansed and looks fresh.

The best imported ointments for blackheads

Imported manufacturers use the active ingredient in their products - adapalene, which has comedolytic (affects open and closed comedones) and anti-inflammatory activity. It can be supplemented with benzoyl peroxide, which has an exfoliating and keratolytic effect.

Effezel

Effezel took first place in the ranking. This is a combined French drug containing adapalene with benzoyl peroxide. It is suitable for the treatment of acne with comedones (including blackheads), papules, pustules. The drug has a pronounced sebostatic effect - it prevents excessive production of sebum.

Apply Effezel onto your fingertips and distribute a thin layer over all pathological areas once a day (before bedtime). In this case, the skin must be clean and dry. Do not allow the gel to get into the eyes or other mucous membranes. Noticeable improvements develop after 1-4 weeks from the start of therapy.

Girls in the reviews note that this product noticeably improved the condition of their skin after a course of use. But they share that at first they experienced severe irritation, which non-comedogenic cosmetics with a moisturizing effect helped eliminate. On the way to perfect skin, you have to go through redness, burning and increased temporary rashes. But the end result proves that Effezel is not in vain among the best.

Advantages

• affects both blackheads and pustular elements;
• the effect of the drug occurs by the end of the first week of therapy;
• It heals, not masks.

Flaws

• not suitable for sensitive skin;
• at the addiction stage it causes burning, hyperemia, and dryness.

Differin

Second place in the ranking of the best was given to Differin. This is another French drug based on adapalene. He acts more delicately than Effezel. A gel-like consistency is suitable for oily skin types, and a creamy consistency for dry skin types. Differin has proven itself well in the treatment of open and closed comedones and acne.

The drug is approved for use from 12 years of age. Apply a thin layer of it to areas of the skin with open comedones once a day before bed. Pre-cleanse and dry problematic skin. Application is done carefully, avoiding contact of the drug with the eyes, lips, mucous membranes or corners of the nose. Noticeable clinical improvement occurs after 4-8 weeks of treatment. And lasting improvement is achieved after a 3-month therapeutic course.

In reviews, cosmetologists, dermatologists and those who managed to get rid of blackheads praise Differin. But they note that one should not count on quick results. If you persist and continue treatment for 12 weeks, then open comedones and acne will not remind you of themselves for a long time. Thanks to the lasting improvements that Differin provides, it deservedly ranks among the best.

Advantages

• reduces the number of rashes;
• makes blackheads less noticeable and gradually completely gets rid of them;
• the skin begins to glow from the inside and acquires a healthy glow.

Flaws

• long course of treatment;
• During therapy, subcutaneous pimples appear.

Adaklin

Third place was given to the Indian analogue of Differin - Adaklin. They both contain adapalene and their mechanism of action is identical. The drug can get rid of blackheads, reduce inflammation, regulate sebum secretion, and even out the texture of the skin.

Before using Adaklin, clean and dry the facial skin. With a light touch, apply the product evenly to the affected surface once a day (in the evening), avoiding contact of the drug with the mucous membranes of the eyes or lips. If short-term irritation of the skin occurs, therapy is temporarily suspended until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.

Reviews about Adaklin are mostly positive. Although some could not withstand the adaptation period and were forced to stop the course of treatment. And those who have the patience note that after 1-2 weeks the skin completely gets used to it and calms down, and adapalene acts directly on open comedones.

Advantages

• gets rid of blackheads;
• evens out skin texture;
• normalizes sebum separation.

Flaws

• at the beginning of therapy it provokes irritation, redness and peeling.