What Does Retinoic Acid Do?

Retinoic acid has been extensively used to prevent and treat photoaged skin and psoriasis. Both etretinoin and isotretinoin, which are two synthetic forms of vitamin A, are highly teratogenic. Etretinoin is not available for medical use, while isotretinoin is strictly controlled.

What does retinol do to the face?

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.

What is the purpose of retinoic acid?

A form of retinoic acid made in the laboratory is put on the skin to treat conditions such as acne and is taken by mouth to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (a fast-growing cancer in which there are too many immature blood-forming cells in the blood and bone marrow).