AdminA powerful retinoid normally used to treat acne, but it’s also great at fighting the early signs of aging. It works by increasing epidermal turnover, speeding up your skin’s process of creating new cells.
It’s best used in combination with an exfoliant and a moisturizing sunscreen. It can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to protect it.
Acne Treatment
Tretinoin is one of the most effective acne treatments. It works by helping the skin regulate sebum production and by removing excess sebum. It also helps clear up existing acne and prevents the formation of future pimples. It is commonly used to treat cystic acne, a type of severe acne that causes painful boil-like cysts on the skin.
The active ingredient in tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It triggers a process in the skin called epidermal turnover, which speeds up the growth of new cells while shedding old ones. It also chemically exfoliates the skin, reducing oiliness and improving its appearance.
Apply tretinoin once a day after washing your face. Use it as part of a complete acne treatment program that includes using gentle cleansers and moisturizing regularly with oil-based products. Avoid extreme weather conditions like cold, windy, or sun exposure while using tretinoin as these can cause dryness and irritation. Call your doctor if irritation becomes severe or acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks of starting the medication.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin, also known as Retin-A or Kinerase, is a form of Vitamin A and part of a group of medications called retinoids. It’s about 20 times more potent than the retinol you might find in drugstore products and is available by prescription only.
This powerful ingredient has been proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, discoloration and sallowness over time. By increasing epidermal turnover (your skin’s natural process of shedding and growing new cells), tretinoin can improve the look of wrinkles, blotches and uneven tone.
Because this medication can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you go outside and limit sun exposure to 10AM-4PM when possible. You should also avoid tanning beds. If you do get sunburned, stop using tretinoin until your skin heals.
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
In addition to its effectiveness for acne, tretinoin cream is also proven to reduce and prevent wrinkles. It does this by enhancing skin collagen, thickening it, and stopping the breakdown of collagen caused by sun exposure. The younger you start using tretinoin for wrinkles, the more effective it is.
Tretinoin is the benchmark prescription topical antiwrinkle product, with significant wrinkle reduction demonstrated in a variety of studies. It is a member of the retinoid family, along with other products such as adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Zorac).
Your dermatologist will advise you on what form of tretinoin to use to minimize side effects, based on your specific skin type. It is usual to start with a lower dose (0.01% up to 0.05% cream or gel) and work up, as your skin becomes accustomed to it. Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin and only apply a pea-sized amount to the area you wish to treat.
Moisturizer
When used alongside the right moisturizer, Tretinoin can be a great skincare treatment for mature skin. While retinol helps reduce acne and hyperpigmentation, it may also cause dryness. That’s why it’s important to use a good moisturizer with tretinoin, especially if you have oily skin.
During the first few weeks of using Tretinoin, many people experience drying and flaking. This is often referred to as the “purge period.” The best moisturizers for tretinoin are those that contain ingredients to help keep skin hydrated. Hydrating moisturizers have ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which grab onto water to keep skin hydrated.
Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol or fragrance, as these can irritate the skin. If you’re going to use a moisturizer with Tretinoin, it’s recommended that you apply it after allowing the retinoid cream to settle on the skin for 20 minutes. This allows the product to work its magic without irritation. Also, avoid products that exfoliate, as they can exacerbate any dryness caused by the tretinoin. Tretinoin 0.1% cream