When retinol first burst onto the beauty scene it was like Marmite – some loved it, others cursed the dry and flaky complexion it left behind. Now retinol’s got a powerful big sister in the form of tretinoin. This skincare ingredient can be a game changer for those struggling with acne and it’s undergoing something of a renaissance with videos tagged #tretinoin boasting over a billion views on TikTok and Google searches doubling in the past year.
Tretinoin is a powerful skincare active that’s derived from Vitamin A. It’s known for doing a lot for the skin, including helping prevent breakouts, minimising fine lines and wrinkles, limiting discolouration and improving pore health. It can also speed up the way your skin produces collagen and elastin, making it firmer and more elastic.
You’ll find tretinoin in prescription topical skin treatments that are sold under various branded names, including Obagi Treclin Gel. It’s a very effective acne treatment but it’s important to know how to use it properly in order to get the best results and avoid any side effects.
Before applying your tretinoin cream, gel or serum, cleanse your skin with a mild soap and water. Pat your skin dry and then use a pea sized amount of the product on problem areas. Be sure to keep it away from your mouth, eyes or the corners of your nose and do not apply it to broken or irritated skin. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and extreme cold or wind while you’re using tretinoin and always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. tretinoin gel uk
