Tretinoin is a powerful prescription-grade skin care ingredient. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It works by increasing the turnover rate of skin cells.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle soapless cleanser and gently pat dry (do not rub). Use moisturizers to avoid drying of the skin.
It is used to treat acne
The retinoid class of medications is known for its effective acne treatment. It works by unclogging pores, decreasing oil production and reducing inflammation. It also helps prevent future pimples by speeding up the growth of new skin cells. However, the first few weeks of using tretinoin can cause irritation and dryness. These effects should subside over time.
Acne is caused by clogged skin pores that are filled with oil and dead skin cells. The clogged pores attract bacteria that causes an inflammatory reaction and forms the characteristic pimple called a comedone. Tretinoin increases skin cell turnover and chemically exfoliates the face, removing these layers of dead skin cells. It also speeds up the production of new skin cells and decreases oil secretion.
Tretinoin comes in several forms, including creams, gels, and solutions. Creams tend to have a higher concentration of the medication, while gels and solutions have a lower concentration but are more quickly absorbed into the skin.
It is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles
While there are many anti-aging products available over the counter, tretinoin is the only one that’s backed by real scientific research. It reduces fine lines & wrinkles, dark spots & skin discoloration caused by sun damage. It also improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it look younger (Leyden, 2017).
The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis. It normally turns over every 40 to 56 days, shedding dead skin cells & producing new ones. Tretinoin speeds up the process & encourages shedding of old, damaged cells. It also helps produce more collagen, which reduces fine lines & wrinkles & evens out the skin tone (Yoham, 2020; Zasada, 2019).
If you’re using tretinoin, it’s important to wear adequate sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun. It can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best to use a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 30 or higher. It can also take a while to see visible results – it usually takes 2-4 weeks for the skin to get used to it, and it may take up to 16 weeks for you to notice a difference.
It is used to treat scars
Tretinoin has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne. It works by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production. It also decreases the thickness of skin, allowing it to stretch more easily.
It can also help remove discoloration from dark spots resulting from sun exposure or other injuries. This happens by causing dark pigmented cells to flake off and reveal new skin underneath. It can also help with surgical scars by minimizing their appearance.
The most effective way to use this medication is by applying it once a day before bed. After washing your face, gently apply a small amount of cream or gel with the tips of your fingers. Make sure to avoid sensitive areas of your face, such as the eyes and nostrils. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after application. It is also a good idea to wear sunscreen daily.
It is used to treat skin discoloration
Tretinoin can help dark spots fade to reveal more even skin tone. It works by decreasing the amount of melanin in skin cells. It also helps to decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles and rough skin texture (Refissa, Renova). It’s important to use sunscreen every day while taking this medication, because it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
In a clinical trial, Kligman and colleagues found that high strength tretinoin applied every night over four weeks improved the appearance of aging skin by reducing mottled hyperpigmentation and smoothing rough skin texture. It also reduced fine wrinkles and increased skin thickness. Histologically, tretinoin caused compaction of the stratum corneum and uniformity in keratinocyte density. It also decreased melanocyte vacuolization.
If you’re considering using tretinoin to treat acne, sun damage, or fine lines and wrinkles, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before starting. They can tell you if the medicine is right for you, and which strength to start with. It may take a few weeks or months to see results, so be patient.. Tretinoin