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Retinoic acid

Retinoic acid is used in the treatment of the acne and for the aging of the skin.

Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₂₈O₂

Other names: Vitamin A acid, trans-retinoic acid, tretinoin

Layman's explanation: Retinoic acid is a yellow to light-orange crystalline powder, that is insoluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Retinoic acid is a natural metabolite of vitamin A which participates in many of the known functions of vitamin A and may be the active agent in tetragenesis (still under investigation). Retinoic acid is used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It is also used in the treatment of certain skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, diarier's disease and ichthyosis. Mild side-effects to the gel, primarily skin irritation, are common. Common side-effects associated with the oral formulation are: headache, dry skin, peeling skin, alopecia and high blood lipids. Retinoic acid is also very potent in promoting growth and controlling differentiation and maintenance of epithelial tissues in vitamin A deficient animals.

Keywords: aging, skin, vitamin A

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