Tretinoin, which is available only with a prescription, works by unclogging pores, decreasing oil production and reducing the inflammatory response that causes acne. It also helps smooth skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Patients using tretinoin may be more sensitive to sunlight, so doctors recommend wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 15) when outside or in sunlamps, and avoiding direct exposure.
Acne Treatment
The golden standard in topical treatments for reducing fine lines, tretinoin also helps fight acne. It unclogs pores, sloughs off dead skin cells and reduces oil production (Leyden, 2017). It also minimizes the appearance of pitted, textured acne scars by kick-starting collagen formation.
You can use over-the-counter retinol creams, but you need a prescription from a doctor to get prescription-strength tretinoin cream, gel or liquid. Those stronger products work by converting vitamin A to all-trans retinoic acid, an isomer that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and prevents future ones from forming.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry (don’t rub) before applying tretinoin twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Avoid excessive washing or scrubbing, as this can irritate the skin and lead to more breakouts. Use a moisturizer after each application to counteract the drying effects of the drug. You may experience a pustular flare during the first few weeks of treatment. This is normal, and it’s not a sign that you shouldn’t continue with therapy.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin is a powerful anti-aging treatment that helps clear away acne scars and dark spots. It also speeds up skin cell turnover, which reduces wrinkles and crow’s feet. But it can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
It can take 6 weeks or more before you notice the results of tretinoin. Don’t use it more than prescribed or you could cause serious side effects. Wash your hands with a mild soap and dry your skin thoroughly before applying it. A pea-sized amount is enough. Apply it to your face and neck, avoiding the corners of your eyes and mouth and the ears.
Be sure your doctor knows about any other medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter ones, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements. These may interact with tretinoin. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have any other medical conditions. He or she will need to know this information before prescribing tretinoin for you.
Skin Lightening Treatment
Tretinoin is not just for reducing wrinkles; it can also enhance a dull skin complexion by lightening the color. It does this by speeding up the process by which cells turn over.
It is a powerful medication with a lot of potential but must be used under medical supervision. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can cause severe skin irritation. It may interact with certain medications, especially diuretics, sulfa drugs & some antibiotics. It can make the skin sensitive to sunlight so sunscreen is a must.
Tretinoin comes in cream, gel & lotion form. It is advisable to wash the face with a mild, gentle cleanser before applying it. Avoid excessive washing & scrubbing, which can irritate the skin. Once applied, allow to dry. Apply a moisturizer afterward. Use a small amount, & increase the application gradually as tolerated. Start at one time per week, then increase to two or three times a week.
Scar Treatment
The same gold-standard ingredient that fights acne can also help fade dark spots from sun damage. It does this by exfoliating the skin, thereby lightening discoloration & improving fine lines & wrinkles.
It can also improve skin texture & elasticity by triggering the growth of new cells & strengthening the existing ones (Yoham, 2020). It has been shown to reduce redness & dark spots caused by melasma, which is usually triggered by inflammation.
Tretinoin can be prescribed as gel, cream, or lotion and comes in varying strengths. These are suited to different skin types, with gels working best for oily skin & creams & lotions better for sensitive skin.
Oral tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in patients with genetic markers t(15;17) and should only be used under expert supervision. Alternatives to tretinoin include retinol and adapalene, which may be more suitable for people with sensitive skin. They are also safer options to use than oral tretinoin. TretinoinYouth
