Tretinoin is a prescription-strength topical treatment that can improve skin conditions like acne and sun damage. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is important to protect your face from extreme weather, especially wind and cold, while using tretinoin. It can make the skin extra sensitive to these conditions.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a key player in acne treatment, as it helps unclog pores, reduce oil production and lower inflammation. It also increases cell turnover and helps bring fresher skin to the surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
It’s also used to treat sun damage, reducing the look of brown spots, discoloration & broken blood vessels. It can also help improve elasticity (tightening) and firmness in the skin.
While tretinoin can do a lot of good for the skin, it’s not suitable for everyone. Those with very dry skin can experience flaking or redness. There’s also a chance of a purging reaction to the ingredient, where new cells are brought to the surface and can cause more blackheads or whiteheads.
Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin thoroughly with a mild cleanser and water. Pat it dry, and be sure to avoid getting the cream near the eyes, ears or corners of the nose. It is also recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day while using tretinoin.
How to Use Tretinoin Cream
If you’re ready to squelch acne and smooth over wrinkles, tretinoin is the drug for you. But, even with the best of intentions, improper use can lead to red, itchy, and flaky skin—not exactly #skingoals. To keep your tretinoin experience as pleasant as possible, follow these pro tips from dermatologists.
Start Slow: It’s important to ease into tretinoin and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. It also helps to apply moisturizer before your retinoid and avoid direct sun exposure while using the product.
Be Mindful: Tretinoin can interact with certain medications, vitamins, and supplements. Always make a list of all your current products and consult with your provider to see what could cause an issue when combined.
Be Wary of Lips: Don’t apply tretinoin to the lips, as it can cause peeling and chapping. Instead, rely on specialised plumping creams for the area. Also, because tretinoin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, be sure to wear sunscreen everyday (even on cloudy days).
Tretinoin Side Effects
It is very important to keep in mind that oral tretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy because high doses can cause severe birth defects. Similarly, topical tretinoin cannot be used during pregnancy, so it is recommended that women stop using this product at least 6 months prior to becoming pregnant.
When you first start using tretinoin, your skin may feel slightly dry or flaky as it adjusts. It is also possible that your acne will get worse for a few weeks as existing pimples surface faster due to increased cell turnover. These reactions are normal and usually temporary.
You should avoid sun exposure while using tretinoin, and you should always apply sunscreen before going outdoors (even on cloudy days). This is because tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can lead to sunburns. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It is also recommended to wear a hat and protective clothing.
Tretinoin Gel
Tretinoin is a powerful prescription medication used to treat skin conditions like acne and signs of aging. It unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, hydrates the skin and fades discoloration. It works by increasing epidermal turnover, your body’s internal process of creating new skin cells. The results are more even skin tone, fewer fine lines and wrinkles and a reduction in melasma, sun spots & hyperpigmentation.
Before applying tretinoin, make sure your face is clean, but gently. Excessive washing or scrubbing can irritate your skin. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply a pea-sized amount of cream or gel to your finger and then carefully apply it to the specific areas you need to treat. Be careful to avoid eyelids, lips, nostrils & other easily irritated areas. It’s important to apply only as much as your doctor recommends. Using too much or applying it more often won’t make it work any faster & may cause irritation. If you use a moisturizer, choose one that’s oil free and gentle on your skin.