Mixing together Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Benzoyl peroxide. (Can they be used together?)

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments available on the market today that come both in gel and cream forms. The concentrations vary normally from 2.5%, 5% to as high as 10%.

Side-effects: dry skin, redness, itchiness. At high dosages excessive skin irritation.

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Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzac) 20mg	topical cream	9 tubes	per tube	from $12.61	BEST BUY

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is well known topical cream for treatment of acne. Because the irritation caused by Tretinoin is dose-dependent, treatment should be started in a low dose and gradually increased if necessary. By following the recommendations you will minimize irritation of the skin during the adaptation period.

• 0.025% - is the lowest available concentration of Tretinoin. Recommended to be used for very sensitive, delicate, thin, over-dry skin.
• 0.04% or 0.05% - is the most common concentration. Recommended to be used for oily, thick skin not prone to allergies.
• 0.1% - the max concentration of Tretinoin used to treat severe acne problems.

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Tretinoin (Retin-A) 0,025% 20gr	topical cream	10 tubes	per tube	from $12.46	BEST BUY

How to use: Mild redness, skin irritation, flaking and scaling may occur during the first 1-2 weeks of use as the skin gets through adaptation process. Notable improvements usually seen already at 3-4 weeks of application. Further clinical changes occur gradually on the rise. Stable effect achieved within 8-10 weeks since the beginning of the course. By this time the skin gets irreversible positive changes, restoring the normal functioning of the dermal matrix.

So can they be used together?

In order to sum up Retin-A (Tretinoin) and Benzoyl peroxide are classical solutions frequently prescribed by dermatologists. Both medicines Tretinoin and Benzoyl peroxide must be used properly to get the best results in treatment of acne. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is deactivated by UV -light and should be applied only at night but never combined with benzoyl peroxide at the same time, as Tretinoin gets oxidized by BP. The only form of a topical retinoid combined with BPO is the retinoid derivative Adapalene.

Retin-A (Tretinoin) may also reduce the quantity of native ultraviolet defence by thinning the top layer of the epidermis, so daily sunscreen use is highly recommended. You can alternate Benzoyl Peroxide and Retin-A, but apply them separately (3-12 hours apart) at different times of the day and never immediately after one another. It is also possible to use the topicals every other day. Standardly Retin-A (Tretinoin) is applied in the evenings and Benzoyl Peroxide in the mornings. Benzoyl peroxide and Clindamycin antibacterial medicines can be applied together. Read more..

Note: Tretinoin should not be used in combination with or oral isotretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.