Atret 0.05% (Tretinoin) Cream

Atret Cream general information

What is Atret Cream used for?

Atret Cream 0.05% is used to treat acne vulgaris of the face, chest or back, including pimples (papules), whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones) and can also be used to treat acne cysts, which can be deep, painful and inflamed.  Atret Cream 0.05% may also be used to help reduce visible signs of ageing on the face by fading age spots, reducing fine wrinkles and reducing the roughness of dry skin, caused by sun damage and aging, as it promotes skin turnover to replace old damaged skin with new skin. 

How does Atret Cream work?

Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, which is an active metabolite of Vitamin A and is a keratolytic medication.  Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus of skin cells that affects the way skin cells behave and this regulates cell growth and differentiation.  Tretinoin is thought to act by enhancing skin epithelial cell proliferation and accelerating epithelial differentiation; it also has anti-inflammatory properties.  Acne is often associated with puberty when a surge of androgen hormones can over stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles).  Skin cells that are shed from the lining of the hair follicle become trapped in sebum forming a plug below the surface of the skin, clogging the pores, which then attracts bacteria, so that the clogged pores become infected and inflamed, causing an acne outbreak.  Atret Cream 0.05% prevents formation of new pimples and blackheads (comedones) 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 and reduce the spread of acne.  This also works for aging or damaged skin by promoting skin turnover, where damaged skin is replaced by new skin cells giving the effect of lightening and smoothing the skin.  Atret Cream 0.05% promotes healing of acne lesions and prevents formation of new acne lesions, as well as reducing the appearance of age spots and fine wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging.

What does Atret Cream contain?

Atret Cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin 0.05%, a keratolytic that is used to treat acne and reduce wrinkles and age spots.  It also contains sorbic acid 0.2% and butylated hydroxytoluene 0.1% as preservative

Treating acne with Atret Cream

Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, a keratolytic that regulates growth and differentiation of skin cells.  Acne is often associated with puberty when a surge of androgen hormones can over stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles).  Skin cells that are shed from the lining of the hair follicle become trapped in sebum forming a plug below the surface of the skin, clogging the pores, which then attracts bacteria, so that the clogged pores become infected and inflamed, causing an acne outbreak.  Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% prevents formation of new pimples and blackheads (comedones) 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 and reduce the spread of acne.  Atret Cream 0.05% also has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healing of acne lesions and prevents formation of new acne lesions.

Atret Cream for aging skin

Atret Cream 0.05% contains tretinoin, a keratolytic that regulates growth and differentiation of skin cells.  The visible signs of aging of the skin include age spots, which are pigmented patches of skin, and fine wrinkles, both caused by sun damage and general aging of the skin.  Tretinoin in Atret Cream 0.05% helps speeds up skin turnover by promoting the shedding of old damaged skin and growth of new skin cells giving the effect of lightening and smoothing the skin.  It also promotes skin cells to produce collagen, which keeps skin flexible.

What are the side effects of Atret Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Atret Cream 0.05% include increased sensitivity to sunlight, irritation, burning or stinging where applied to the skin, redness, peeling blistering or dryness of the skin, discolouration.

When should Atret Cream not be used?

You should not use Atret Cream 0.05% if you:

• are allergic to tretinoin or any ingredients in Atret Cream
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, as tretinoin may cause birth defects
• have acute eczema, as tretinoin can cause severe irritation on eczematous skin
• 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.

How should Atret Cream be used?

You should apply your Atret Cream 0.05% to the affected area of the skin once daily 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 more often than directed, as your skin will not clear up faster, instead you may increase the chance for 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.  Avoid excess sun exposure and use of oil-based makeups and creams or abrasive cosmetic products.  You should use Atret Cream 0.05% for as long as is recommended, it usually takes 4-8 weeks for acne to clear up, with more improvement after further use. 

How long should you take Atret Cream?

You should use Atret Cream 0.05% for as long as is recommended, it usually takes 4-8 weeks for acne to clear up, with more improvement after further use.

Missed dose of Atret Cream

If you miss a dose of Atret Cream apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Atret Cream be stored?

You should store your Atret Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place.