How to Use Tretinoin for Maximum Results Without Irritation

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that is prescribed by a dermatologist after a patient’s health status has been reviewed. It is available in the generic form (tretinoin) and brand name Retin-A (other brand names include Avita, Renova, Refissa, and Retin-A Micro).

Also known as retinoic acid, tretinoin is prescribed to treat acne and other skin diseases. Tretinoin works by keeping the pores in the skin clear. It also treats sun-damaged skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading dark spots, and smoothing uneven tone and rough texture.

Tretinoin or retinoic acid plays an important role in cell growth. The anti-aging effects of tretinoin are achieved by its actions of lightening dark skin and replacing the old skin with new.

Retin-A (which contains tretinoin as the active ingredient) can significantly improve sun-damaged and aged skin. However, it cannot completely or permanently erase these skin blemishes, particularly deep wrinkles.

What is Tretinoin used for?

Tretinoin is used to treat acne, other skin diseases, and fine wrinkles, dark spots on the face that have been caused by sun damage. It is also used to prepare skin for anti-aging chemical peel treatments.

However, it does not completely or permanently erase skin problems such as deep wrinkles, fine lines caused by the sun, or the natural anti-aging process.

Who should not use tretinoin cream?

People who have had an allergic reaction to tretinoin cream, gel, or lotion in the past should not use it again.

Let your doctor know if you have a fish allergy, as tretinoin gel may contain ingredients derived from fish.

Pregnant women should not use this product topically as it can harm the unborn baby. You should also discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, as this medication may be harmful to the nursing infant.

As mentioned, tretinoin topical products may be available under different brand names, which are not interchangeable. Certain brands of tretinoin topical products are not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Is tretinoin similar to retinol?

Tretinoin and retinol are both derived from vitamin A. However, tretinoin is a powerful, prescription-strength retinoid. Retinol is a less potent topical retinoid commonly present in over-the-counter cosmetic and skincare products.

What does tretinoin cream do?

Tretinoin helps in the treatment of acne outbreaks by unclogging pores and reducing comedone (pimple) formation. It also increases the turnover of skin cells, which helps to push comedones out. Check out our blog to learn about the 4 types of acne.

Tretinoin helps to improve the appearance of sun damage through its peeling effect on the skin, whereby it replaces old skin cells with newer ones. It also changes the way the body removes sun-damaged skin cells. Additionally, it has a skin-lightening effect.

What are the side effects of tretinoin cream?

Tretinoin can cause side effects such as skin irritation, including stinging, burning, warmth, dryness, redness, scaling, swelling, crusting, peeling, flaking, and blistering. This topical medicine can also cause skin darkening or lightening. There may be an initial increase in acne sores.

More serious adverse effects of tretinoin include hives and itching (signs of allergic reactions) and pain or discomfort in the treated areas. Call your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.

Category: Health Tips