Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat acne, reduce facial aging & fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is generally considered safe for long-term use.
Doctors usually prescribe a low concentration of tretinoin, starting patients on a lower strength before increasing it. It can take a few weeks or months to notice the results of tretinoin cream.
Acne Treatment
Tretinoin works by increasing the turnover rate of skin cells, thereby eliminating dead skin layers & preventing clogged pores. It also promotes shedding of the excess oil that forms on the outer layer of your skin, which reduces blemishes.
This topical medication contains Vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for the skin. Vitamin A is known to treat acne, smooth rough facial skin & reduce mottled skin discoloration (Zasada, 2019).
It also has anti-inflammatory properties & helps control the amount of oil produced by the skin. It decreases hyperpigmentation by accelerating the rate at which old skin cells die, resulting in a more even complexion (Leyden, 2017).
Tretinoin Cream is available by prescription only. Before applying this medication, wash your hands & the affected skin area thoroughly with mild, non-medicated soap & water. Pat your skin dry & wait 20-30 minutes before applying this medication. This medicine is usually applied once a day at bedtime, but consult your doctor for further instructions.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin is a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It’s been shown to prevent fine lines & wrinkles, while improving skin texture. It does so by promoting cell turnover, which helps smooth out the appearance of the skin. It also fades areas of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots & sun spots, to create a more even skin tone.
To get the most out of your tretinoin cream, make sure you’re using it correctly. Always cleanse your face before applying tretinoin. Don’t layer it with any other acid products, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (though glycolic acid is compatible). Use it at night, before bed, and don’t skip applications.
You should also avoid direct sunlight, as tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can lead to burning & increase your risk of skin cancer. You should also protect your skin with moisturizers, a broad spectrum sunscreen, hats, & scarves. If your acne or aging concerns are not improved after 8 to 12 weeks of usage, talk to your doctor.
Skin Brightening Treatment
Tretinoin is scientifically proven to reduce discoloration associated with aging, sun damage & acne. It is also a popular ingredient for skin brightening treatments that contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide & kojic acid.
However, long term use of topical tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to light, especially natural sunlight & sunlight from certain types of sunlamps. It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat while using tretinoin.
The biggest mistake patients make with retinoids is being over-ambitious with the amount used, frequency of use and eagerness to see results. It takes weeks (& sometimes months) of consistent use to see significant improvements in a patient’s skin. It is always better to start with the lowest dose & titrate up as tolerated. It is also important to incorporate other skin health enhancing products into your routine such as exfoliation, moisturizers & sun protection. Your GP or dermatologist will advise you on this.
Skin Lightening Treatment
Most people are adamant about their facial skin being brighter and fairer. However, they often find that the sun, pollution and other environmental factors cause their skin to become dull, rough and dark. This makes them look older than they really are & also affects their confidence levels.
Retinoids are a group of synthetic compounds derived from vitamin A. Weaker retinoids like retinol need to be converted by your body into retinoic acid to work on skin cells. Tretinoin is already a retinoid and works directly on the receptors of skin cells.
The best skin lightening creams contain ingredients such as kojic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide to mitigate discoloration. Other modalities such as chemical peels and laser treatments can also be used to achieve a lighter face. However, it is important that you consult with a professional skin expert like Dr. Michele Green to ensure that the treatment method you choose is safe and effective.Tretinoin 0.05% Cream