Tretinoin is available as a cream or gel. The two formulations perform the same function for your skin, though some people might find the gel better suited to dry or normal skin.
After cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of the medication once daily before bedtime. Make sure to follow the instructions on your prescription label and any medication guides or instruction sheets.
Acne
Tretinoin is a stronger form of Vitamin A, so it’s been used to treat acne for decades. It’s not a cure-all, but it can reduce fine lines, uneven skin tone & melasma, & fade sun spots & acne scars. It also controls acne breakouts & helps them heal faster.
It works by increasing epidermal turnover, speeding up the shedding of dead skin cells that can plug pores & lead to acne. It also stimulates the production of collagen, a key skin protein that strengthens your skin & boosts elasticity.
Before applying tretinoin, wash your face using a gentle cleanser twice or three times a day. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel, being careful not to rub. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen to protect your skin while you’re using tretinoin & especially in sunny weather.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Tretinoin is known as an anti-aging powerhouse & one of the most effective treatments for fine lines, wrinkles & hyperpigmentation. It does this by speeding up cell turnover & encouraging the growth of new collagen, which improves skin tone & texture.
It is most effective in combination with a high-quality moisturizer. It is best to titrate the dosage, starting at once or twice a week & increasing the frequency as tolerated. Too much retinol can irritate the skin, so it is important to start slowly & listen to your body.
Studies show that tretinoin significantly reduces nasolabial folds, fine lines near the mouth, chin & eyes, melasma & other forms of discoloration. It also helps boost collagen levels, which helps with skin elasticity and firmness. This is why many patients consider tretinoin a must-have in any skincare regimen.
Skin Brightening
When used as directed, tretinoin can lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. This is because it increases cell turnover, so older cells that have built up pigmentation from sun damage or excess melanin production start to clear away and are replaced by fresh new skin cells.
This can also help with the redness caused by acne and the discoloration from scarring. If you’re worried about the effects of tretinoin on your complexion, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before you use it. They can tell you if it’s right for you and recommend an appropriate strength.
Tretinoin is a powerful skincare ingredient and can make dramatic changes to your complexion. But it takes a lot of patience and careful usage to see results. Be sure to start with the lowest strength your GP or dermatologist recommends and always wear sunscreen!
Age Spots
A dermatologist can prescribe Tretinoin cream (Retin-A) to help fade age spots, lentigines and mottled pigmentation. It also builds skin collagen, thickening & making the treated skin look healthier & younger. It has been shown to reduce fine lines & wrinkles, too.
Retinoids like Tretinoin also can help to prevent sunburn by increasing your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It’s important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day when you are using this product, and avoid sunlamps.
The best way to get the most out of your tretinoin is to use it regularly, twice per week. A pea-sized amount of cream should be applied to clean, dry skin before bed, avoiding the mouth and eyes. If your skin becomes too irritated, speak with a dermatologist & slow down or stop use to allow your skin to adjust. Avoid using other skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or fragranced creams and lotions unless your dermatologist approves them. Tretinoin 0.1% cream