Retinoids are synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of retinoids to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis. Retinoids are also used to treat some types of skin cancer, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. They are only available by prescription.

Retinoids work in a variety of ways, depending on the condition that is being treated. With acne, retinoids normalize skin cell production inside the hair follicles by slowing growth and regulating the shedding of these cells. They also prevent the cells from sticking together and forming plugs. The drug’s ability to regulate skin cell growth is also beneficial to patients with psoriasis.

Many retinoids also have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Retinoid creams used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots or rough skin spots work by lightening the skin and replacing older skin. They also slow down the process by which the body removes skin cells damaged by the sun. With Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of cancer common in AIDS patients that is characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels that develop into skin lesions) and other types of cancer, retinoids help stop the growth of cancer cells.

Retinoids come in several different forms, such as gels, creams and solutions that are applied directly to the skin. They also come in the form of a pill, which is taken orally.