How do oral retinoids work for acne?

Retinoids are a type of medication used to treat acne. They are related to vitamin A and can be used directly on the skin (topical) or taken as a pill (oral). Retinoids work on skin cells to help prevent the formation of clogged pores. They do this by helping the skin to exfoliate, or renew.

What is an oral retinoid?

Oral retinoids are a class of medications that are derivatives of vitamin A. First generation retinoids include isotretinoin (Accutane) and alitretinoin. Acitretin (Soriatane) is a second-generation retinoid. Oral retinoids can decrease inflammation in the skin.

Can retinol be taken orally?

Unhealthy cholesterol levels can develop while taking an oral retinoid. Adopting some healthy habits, such as eating a healthy diet, can reduce this risk. Acitretin is an oral (take by swallowing) retinoid that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat severe psoriasis. It comes from vitamin A.

Which is the best oral retinoid for acne?

Brand names for isotretinoin include Accutane, Roaccutane, Accure and IsotrexGel. Doctors prescribe isotretinoins as oral medications for severe acne. Tretinoin, also known as Renova, Retin-A and Vesanoid, is a topical treatment for acne, wrinkles and darkened or damaged skin.

Are there any third generation retinoids for acne?

Third-generation retinoids include tazarotene and adapalene. Tazarotene is sold as Tazorac, Fabior or Avage for use as a topical treatment for acne, psoriasis and skin discoloration.

What are the different types of retinoids for skin?

Additionally, retinoids are popular topical anti-aging treatments for skin. Retinoid products have been classified into four generations, each increasingly potent. Three types of retinoids fall under first-generation classification: alitretinoin, isotretinoin and tretinoin.

What are the names of the first generation retinoids?

Visiting First-Generation Retinoids. Brand names for isotretinoin include Accutane, Roaccutane, Accure and IsotrexGel. Doctors prescribe isotretinoins as oral medications for severe acne. Tretinoin, also known as Renova, Retin-A and Vesanoid, is a topical treatment for acne, wrinkles and darkened or damaged skin.