Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication. It takes 8 to 12 weeks before you see results. It increases your skin’s cell turnover rate which can make your acne worse initially in a process known as purging.
Wash your hands and face before applying tretinoin. Apply a thin layer of the cream to your face, being careful not to get it into your eyes, mouth or corners of your nose.
Acne
Acne is caused when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle, sometimes causing bacteria to infect the pore. When this happens, the skin becomes inflamed and develops a bump or pimple.
The most effective treatment for acne is tretinoin (Retin-A), a powerful prescription topical cream. It works to increase epidermal turnover, which helps clear skin of breakouts and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, tretinoin unclogs pores, prevents future acne blemishes from forming and reduces the appearance of acne scarring. This is why dermatologists recommend incorporating this powerful topical into your skincare routine.
If you’re new to retinol, it takes some time for your skin to adjust, so starting with a low concentration and working up is recommended. It is also important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen while using this medication, as it makes the skin more sensitive and susceptible to sunburn. You may experience a purging phase in the first few weeks of use, where your skin experiences more breakouts, but this is a normal part of the process.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Tretinoin, originally known as Ret-A, is a topical vitamin A-based compound that’s one of the most studied anti-aging treatments. It helps reduce fine lines & wrinkles by stimulating collagen growth, fading actinic keratosis spots & evening out skin tone. It’s more effective at preventing wrinkles, rather than treating them, but it’s still an excellent addition to any skincare routine.
Using a retinoid can cause a few weeks of initial irritation, such as dryness & flaking. To prevent this, use a moisturizer that contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid or squalene with your retinoid. This method is sometimes called the “sandwich technique” & will help reduce irritation.
It’s best to apply a pea-size amount of retinoid once each night before bed, after washing your face. Avoid sensitive areas, such as the eyes & mouth. Use only as prescribed by your dermatologist & always listen to your skin! If you experience too much irritation, try again in a few weeks with a lower dose.
Sun damage
There is no way to completely erase sun damage or fine lines and wrinkles, but retinol can help reduce their appearance. Tretinoin encourages skin cells to slough off, improving the overall texture of your skin and minimizing dark spots and clogged pores.
It also stimulates collagen production, lightening dark spots and improving skin discoloration caused by aging or sun damage. In combination with sunscreen, it can limit the effects of melasma and hyperpigmentation.
If you suffer from sun damage or hyperpigmentation, talk to your dermatologist about using Tretinoin Cream. However, it is important to note that tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to wear sunscreen every day when using this medication. You should also avoid direct sunlight or sunlamps, especially when you first start using tretinoin. This is particularly important if you are taking any other medications that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, like antibiotics or certain anti-depressants.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin issue that can occur due to sun damage, pregnancy or certain medications. It typically appears as patches of darkened skin that are larger than normal, & most commonly on the hands and face.
The retinoids in Tretinoin Cream help fade spots of hyperpigmentation for more even-toned skin, as well as unclogging pores to prevent breakouts. The Vitamin C in this cream helps brighten dull skin & boost collagen production, which can reduce fine lines & wrinkles. Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce discoloration & balance skin tone.
It can take up to 6 months for you to see results, so it’s important to use this product regularly. Before using, consult with your dermatologist to ensure that it’s safe for you based on your health history, including any current medications, any chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis & how much sun exposure you usually get. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tretinoin 0.05% Cream