Uses
A Ret-HC (Hydroquinone/Tretinoin/Hydrocortisone Acetate) is a triple combination skin lightening cream used to treat hyperpigmentation on the skin. Its mechanism of action is reducing the amount of pigments such as melanin. This helps to lighten unwanted areas of darkened skin, including melasma (due to sun damage), chloasma, freckles, age spots and senile lentigines. Hydroquinone is a compound widely used in cosmetics for its ability to decrease the skin color, leading to whitening. By affecting the synthesis of the pigment melanin, it can gradually bleach the skin, thereby treating unwanted dark spots.
Tretinoin (a type of vitamin A also known as retinoic acid) is frequently used in dermatology. It helps to increase the penetration of hydroquinone through the outer skin (stratum corneum), while also preventing the oxidation of hydroquinone, thereby enhancing its effects. In addition to this, it may also improve the rate at which the pigment is removed due to the fact that it increases the turnover rate of keratinocytes, while also helping to reduce the appearance of some fine wrinkles. Finally, hydrocortisone is added for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to lessen inflammation on the skin.
Precautions A Ret-HC (Hydroquinone/Tretinoin/Hydrocortisone Acetate) cream is for external use only. It must not be taken by mouth nor should it be allowed to come into contact with the mucus membranes.
Do not allow the skin to be exposed to UV light during treatment, as doing so will cause the bleached areas of skin to become darkened.
This cream should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Following are some tips about how to use this product: 1. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser before applying this cream. Rinse and pat dry the skin (wait 20 mins). 2. Apply a thin film of the cream almost pea size amount at nighttime. Avoid getting the cream on your lips or in the creases of your nose. 3. In the beginning until your skin is used to the cream, you should only keep the gel for 1-2 hours and wash your face with warm water. For the people with fair and dry skin exposure time at the beginning of the treatment is 30 mins, the duration of exposure can be gradually increased. 4. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Sunburn can more easily happen because you are using this product. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. The result will be seen after 3-6 weeks of using this product.
