As an anti-aging ingredient, tretinoin works by speeding up skin cell turnover. It’s also highly effective for clearing acne and improving the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage.
Always wash your face before applying tretinoin, as this helps prevent irritation. It’s best to start with a low strength and work your way up, as instructed by your doctor or dermatologist.
How It Works
Tretinoin is an active form of vitamin A, which helps improve skin tone and reduce dark spots and wrinkles. It can also help protect the skin from sun damage. It’s available by prescription only, and it can be found in cream or gel form. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, your doctor will tell you which one to choose.
Before applying tretinoin, wash the area to be treated with mild soap and water. Avoid excessive washing or scrubbing, which can irritate the skin. Avoid using any other topical products on the treated area, especially those containing alcohol, menthol, spices, lime, or sulfur or resorcinol (wart remover), unless your doctor tells you to.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the skin once a day before bed. Use clean fingertips to spread the cream evenly across the face, avoiding the corners of the nose or mouth. Allow the medication to dry before putting on makeup or other skin products.
Acne Treatment
Tretinoin is an anti-acne medication that helps reduce the appearance of acne blemishes and prevents new ones from developing. It also promotes the growth of new skin cells and increases the production of collagen to keep your skin strong and healthy.
All-trans retinoic acid can be found in a range of topical products including creams, serums and gels. However, it’s only available by prescription and should be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Retinoids, like tretinoin, are known as comedolytic agents, which means that they help break up the plugs that lead to breakouts. They also encourage the shedding of old, dead skin cells. This can cause skin to look a little worse for a short while, but it’s called purging and is a good sign that your treatment is working.
Wash your face 2-3 times a day with mild cleansers, and apply a water-based moisturizer after each washing. Use sunscreen and avoid harsh scrubs, alcohol and other skin treatments that can sting.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin is an effective anti-aging treatment. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and preventing oil from clogging pores. It also helps lighten acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It has even been shown to shrink oil glands and block the inflammatory pathways that cause acne.
Apply a thin layer of tretinoin cream to the skin twice a week or as directed by your doctor. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying the medication. Avoid the eyes, nose and mouth. Use a moisturizer after application to prevent dry, flaky skin.
The most common side effects of tretinoin are dry skin and mild irritation. It is also possible to experience a “purge,” where the increased cell turnover can lead to a few more blackheads and whiteheads. This is normal and should fade after a few weeks. It is important to be patient when using tretinoin as it takes a few months to see results in anti-aging and wrinkle reduction.
Side Effects
It’s important to use tretinoin exactly as your doctor tells you to. Store it at room temperature and keep it out of the sun and heat (gel formulations are flammable). Do not put it on cuts, scrapes, or open skin lesions. It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunlamps, so use sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you go outside and cover exposed areas of your body.
During the first 3 to 6 weeks of using tretinoin, your acne may worsen as your skin adjusts. You may also experience a slight burning sensation when you apply it to your skin. This is normal, but if it’s too much for you, talk to your doctor.
Tretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It can increase your risk of developing a serious condition known as retinoic acid-APL syndrome. This is a rare but very serious illness that may cause fever, weight loss, swelling of the legs, hands, feet, or ankles, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Tretinoin 0.05% Cream
