Tretinoin helps improve wrinkling, roughness, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging by causing skin cells to grow faster and turn over more frequently. It also unclogs pores and decreases oil production, which causes acne.
Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser before applying tretinoin cream. Wash your face twice a day and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
Acne
Tretinoin treats acne by unclogging pores and helping to slough off dead skin cells that can cause the formation of comedones (pimples). It also helps reduce the inflammation caused by bacteria and minimizes the appearance of pitted, textured scars from past acne breakouts.
The first few weeks of use may cause the skin to be irritated or red, but this is normal as the medication begins to work. People with certain underlying skin conditions, such as rosacea, may need to be more careful introducing this treatment because it can increase sensitivity.
After washing, wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the medicine, then gently rub it into the skin using your fingertips or a cotton swab. It’s important to use only a pea-sized amount of cream. A lot of patients make the mistake of being over-ambitious with how much they apply and how often, so start slow and gradually increase your application frequency as you get used to it.
Fine lines and wrinkles
A great anti-aging serum or cream can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, for those that have deeper-set wrinkles, a tretinoin treatment can help. Tretinoin can also reduce discoloration, such as age spots.
A tretinoin cream can be applied two to three times per week as tolerated. In most cases, a pea-sized amount of the product is enough to cover the entire face. It is important not to apply too much and to avoid the lips, nose and eyes.
Most people notice a difference in their skin after a few weeks of consistent use. However, it takes several months for the benefits to really kick in. You must be patient! Tretinoin is a long-term anti-aging solution and you will need to keep up with the regular application of the product. Many users experience a "purge" phase where their skin is worse before it gets better, but this will resolve as the skin acclimates to the tretinoin.
Melasma
Melasma is a disorder of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in your skin, and it’s especially common in women aged 25-40. It can be caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, and some medications. It’s also often triggered by sun exposure. The good news is that it can usually be faded with a variety of treatments. These include hydroquinone, an anti-inflammatory like a corticosteroid, or anti-diarrheal like methimazole; soybean extract; azelaic acid; tyrosinase inhibitors such as tranexamic acid and kojic acid; and chemical peels. The most effective treatment, however, is a combination cream called Kligman’s formula that includes 5.0% hydroquinone, 0.1% tretinoin and 0.1% dexamethasone.
Retinoids speed up the cell turnover rate, helping to push damaged and pigmented skin cells to the surface of your face where they slough off, leaving behind fresh and undamaged skin. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and covering your face while outdoors are also important. Extreme weather like cold, windy conditions can make tretinoin more irritating, so avoid it if you’re susceptible to irritation.
Sun damage
If you've spent too much time in the sun, tretinoin cream can reverse some of the damage. It helps by increasing cell turnover and encouraging collagen growth. This makes your skin look healthier and younger.
You should use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day while using tretinoin. It also may make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so you'll need to wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors.
Tretinoin also can cause some redness and dryness, so it's important to moisturize daily. You should also avoid any other skin products that contain alcohol, menthol, spices or lime, as they can irritate your face.
Tretinoin is not recommended for pregnant women or people who are breastfeeding. It's also not safe to use if you have certain medical conditions, especially diabetes or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine. The risks may outweigh the benefits for some people. You should also not stop using this medication suddenly, as it can lead to serious side effects.
Sign in to leave a comment.