Mequinol+tretinoin
About
Mequinol+tretinoin is used in the treatment of dark patches caused by hyperpigmentation, age, and UV radiation. Mequinol+tretinoin is effective in lightening sunspots and age spots. Mequinol+tretinoin also helps in preventing acne in oily, acne-prone skin.
Mequinol+tretinoin is composed of Mequinol and Tretinoin. Mequinol+tretinoin reduces the melanin (skin pigment) in the dark spots, thereby depigmenting and lightening them. Thus, Mequinol+tretinoin helps treat hyperpigmentation. Mequinol+tretinoin also regulates skin turnover and helps in the prevention of acne.
In some cases, Mequinol+tretinoin may cause certain very occasional side effects such as transitory stinging, tingling and irritation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Please inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components. Mequinol+tretinoin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Consult your doctor before using Mequinol+tretinoin if you are breastfeeding. Avoid getting Mequinol+tretinoin in your eyes, nostrils, mouth or vagina. Ensure adequate sun protection after treatment with Mequinol+tretinoin.
Uses of Mequinol+tretinoin
Medicinal Benefits
Mequinol+tretinoin is a cosmeceutical and dermatological cream. It contains Mequinol and Tretinoin. Mequinol+tretinoin is used to treat pigmentation of various kinds, including unsightly spots that appear due to age and/or sun exposure. Melanin is the normal skin pigment. In high concentrations, it produces pigmentation. Mequinol suppresses melanin production by inhibiting its parent enzyme tyrosinase and also by preventing the development of melanin-producing cells, thereby nipping the production of melanin in the bud. Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A. It essentially regulates the turnover of cells and causes the older layers of skin to divide more rapidly and die, clearing them away. Mequinol+tretinoin hence is very effective in lightening pigmented skin and preventing blackheads, whiteheads and pimples from being formed. In addition, tretinoin also aids the formation of the precursors of collagen (major skin protein), thereby enhancing skin appearance and health.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mequinol+tretinoin
- Temporary stinging
- Temporary burning
- Irritation
- Dry skin
- Tingling sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Mequinol+tretinoin should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Mequinol+tretinoin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Consult your doctor before using Mequinol+tretinoin if you are breastfeeding. Avoid getting Mequinol+tretinoin in your eyes, nostrils, mouth or vagina. Ensure adequate sun protection after treatment with Mequinol+tretinoin. Do not use Mequinol+tretinoin in case of a history or family history of vitiligo or eczema.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Mequinol+tretinoin should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, eczema, vitiligo, skin irritation and sunburns.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionMequinol+tretinoin may interact with alcohol. Proceed with caution.
Pregnancy
unsafeMequinol+tretinoin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive, as it can cause foetal harm.
Breast Feeding
cautionCaution must be exercised before using Mequinol+tretinoin during breastfeeding as it is not known whether it is excreted in breast milk. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedMequinol+tretinoin is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionExercise caution in case of established liver disease or hepatic dysfunction. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Kidney
safe if prescribedMequinol+tretinoin is safe on the kidney. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough studies have been conducted to establish the effects of Mequinol+tretinoin in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your physician in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exfoliate your skin lightly but regularly. This helps wash away dry and dead cells, cleansing the skin.
- Protect your skin with a prescribed sunblock, hat or any sun screening accessories alongside as exposure to the sun worsens pigmentation.
- Refresh your sunscreen every 4 hours for optimal protection.
- Avoid wearing tight and dark coloured clothing on the affected area after applying Mequinol+tretinoin.
- Exercise regularly. Exercising can help acne-prone skin by unclogging pores. However, make sure to limit your exposure to the sun.
- Load up on green leafy vegetables like spinach, oily fish and citrus fruit to help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation.
- Almonds, blueberries, avocados and nuts are rich in antioxidants and very helpful in preventing inflammation and improving the quality of the skin.
- Lower your carb intake, and avoid inflammatory drinks such as packaged juices, sweetened tea and carbonated drinks. Also, avoid any foods you may be allergic to.
- Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking enough water can also do wonders for the overall quality of your skin.
- Always wash your makeup before sleeping. Never go to bed with makeup on.
- Exercise caution while using Mequinol+tretinoin with hair perms and hair removal products such as wax, depilatories or electrolysis.
- Your skin may be more sensitive to changes in temperature and weather. Protect yourself well during winter and summer.
Special Advise
- Mequinol+tretinoin may rarely cause an allergic reaction in those with highly sensitive skin. It is best to test the product in a small patch 24 hours before using it properly.
- Do not wash your face after applying Mequinol+tretinoin.
- Do not apply an excessive amount of Mequinol+tretinoin.
- Wait for at least half an hour before applying any makeup on the treated area.
- Do not bathe or shower for at least 6 hours post-application.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Solar lentigines: Solar lentigines are localised, pigmented spots where skin colour appears uneven due to the formation of patches because of an excessive concentration of melanin due to unprotected exposure to the sun. This is a harmless condition and varies from age spots to sunspots. It is commonly seen on the face, hands, shoulders and arms.
Acne: Acne is a skin condition in which pores of the skin get blocked or clogged by sebum, leading to the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and greasy skin. It is caused by a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes.
FAQs
Mequinol+tretinoin works by suppressing melanin production, thereby reducing pigmentation and discolouration. Mequinol+tretinoin also regulates skin turnover and helps in the prevention of acne.
While Mequinol+tretinoin is suitable for all skin types if indicated, Mequinol+tretinoin may cause dry skin. Hence, it is best to consult your dermatologist before using Mequinol+tretinoin if you have very dry skin.
It is recommended that you use a moisturiser after treatment with Mequinol+tretinoin but look for moisturisers that do not contain alcohol, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Most anti-acne products contain benzoyl peroxide. When combined with Mequinol+tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide may cause the skin to over-dry. For any concerns, consult your dermatologist.
It is not advisable to leave the skin bare. Using a non-alcoholic moisturiser on top of Mequinol+tretinoin really helps seal it in, allowing Mequinol+tretinoin to work more effectively. Wait for at least 15 minutes before applying the moisturiser after using Mequinol+tretinoin.
You will start to see results in about 3-6 months of use of Mequinol+tretinoin. However, the results depend on the severity of your condition. Please consult your doctor on the duration of treatment.