Do you also use this cream for acne? (Tretinoin; Benzoyl Peroxide) Let's find out for sure!

Acne is a problem that many people face, regardless of age, right? Especially when you are young, it is not very good for your heart. So, a doctor may have told you to use a cream made by combining two drugs called Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide as a treatment for acne. This is a very effective treatment for controlling acne. Today, let's talk about this cream, how to use it exactly, and what things to be careful about.

What is this cream? How does it cure acne?

Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.

1. Tretinoin : This is a drug in the retinoid class. It works by increasing the rate at which your skin cells renew themselves. This helps to remove dead skin cells faster and unclog pores. Clogged pores are a major cause of acne.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide : This is an antiseptic . It kills the bacteria that cause acne and stops them from growing .

So when these two are combined, they address two of the main causes of acne at once. That is, they reduce inflammation in the skin, stop pores from clogging, and also suppress bacteria.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this cream, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have burns or other damage to your skin over a large area.
• If you have other skin diseases , skin sensitivity, or any special condition.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How exactly do you use this cream?

This is a topical medication only. Never take it by mouth. For best results, use it this way.

1. Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Eyes and sensitive areas: Be careful not to get the product in sensitive areas such as the eyes, nostrils, and around the mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with plenty of clean water.

3. The right time: Try to take the pill at the same time every day, as your doctor has advised. Usually, you should take the pill once a day, at night.

4. Amount: Don't apply too much. Take a small amount, about the size of a pea, and apply a thin film over the entire area of ​​acne. Applying too much will not heal the acne faster, and may cause more dryness and redness.

5. Don't stop: Continue the treatment as long as your doctor tells you to. Don't stop halfway.

6. Damaged skin: Do not apply this cream to burned, cut, torn, or otherwise damaged skin.

Can children use it?

In some cases, doctors prescribe this medicine to children over 9 years of age. But this should only be done on medical advice. So if you are using this medicine for your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as directed. Never take double the dose.

What if I make a mistake and get too much?

This is a topical medication so there is no major risk. However, if someone, especially a small child, eats this, immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . Or take them to an ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) at the nearest hospital.

Things to pay special attention to when using

When using this cream, you have to think a little more about your skin.

• Be careful with the sun: Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun while using this medicine. So if you are going out during the day,Be sure to use a good sunscreen. Also, avoid being in the sun as much as possible. It's a good idea to wear a hat and carry an umbrella. Don't use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.
• Other things that dry out your skin: This cream itself can dry out your skin a bit. So avoid using soaps, abrasive cleaners, or products that contain alcohol, which can further dry out your skin.
• Other acne medications: Unless your doctor specifically tells you to, do not apply other acne medications to the skin while applying this cream.
• Other skin conditions: Do not apply this cream to areas where you have eczema or sunburned skin. Doing so may cause more irritation and redness.
• Bleaching: The benzoyl peroxide in this cream can bleach your hair or colored clothes, pillowcases, etc. This means the color may change. So be careful not to let the product get on your hair or clothes until it has dried properly.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you properly store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate. Close the bottle tightly after use.
• Expiration: Any remaining medicine should be discarded 60 days after opening the bottle of this cream or 12 weeks after you received it from the pharmacy (whichever comes first).
• Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to a take-back program. Ask your doctor about this. If that's not possible, remove the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.

We wish you a speedy recovery from your acne problem! But it's very important to be patient with your treatment.