Can you use tretinoin on your body?

Where does body treatment make sense?

Topical treatment can be enough for mild back acne with relatively few pimples. If acne covers much of your back or chest, or does not clear with topical treatment, your doctor can consider treatment taken by mouth. Deep, painful spots need a dermatologist rather than a larger application of tretinoin.13

Retinoids help clear clogged pores and treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples. They can also lighten dark marks left after acne. Tretinoin is also used for fine wrinkles, but a body acne prescription is not automatically a treatment plan for body wrinkles.45

Which formula and strength should you use?

Tretinoin comes as a cream, lotion or gel, which is why the word "lotion" is doing less explanatory work than you might hope. Ask your prescriber which formula and strength suit the intended body area. Four women with chest or back acne improved with tretinoin lotion 0.05% combined with azelaic acid foam 15%. Improvement with that combination does not tell you how tretinoin alone will work.56

How do you apply tretinoin to your body?

1. 1Confirm the treatment area and schedule with your prescriber. Tretinoin is generally used once daily at bedtime; follow your own prescription.
2. 2Wash your hands and the affected skin with mild soap and water. Let the skin dry as directed.
3. 3Apply a thin layer over the affected area with clean fingertips. Keep tretinoin away from eyes, mouth, genital mucous membranes, sunburn and eczema.
4. 4Use moisturizer for dryness. Your dermatologist can advise whether to apply moisturizer before tretinoin or use tretinoin less often if irritation develops.
5. 5Protect exposed treated skin during the day with clothing and sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance.

A lotion applicator can help get treatment onto your back, giving the bathroom tool department an actual job. Someone else can also help with areas that are difficult to reach.13

Can you keep using your acne body wash?

Check before combining tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, other topical medicines or hair removal products. Do not add them unless your doctor directs you to. Scrubs, abrasive cleansers and strongly drying products can add irritation. An adapalene and benzoyl peroxide routine for back acne is not an interchangeable set of directions for tretinoin.357

How long does body acne take to improve?

Back acne treatment can start showing results in six to eight weeks, with complete clearing taking three or four months. Topical retinoids can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. Arrange a review if you see no difference after six to eight weeks rather than increasing the amount yourself.23

When should you stop or ask for help?

Dryness, redness and peeling can occur. Stop and contact your prescriber if skin becomes excessively irritated, blistered or crusted. Call promptly for hives, rash or pain at the treatment area. Tell your prescriber about eczema, other skin conditions and medicines before starting. Discuss pregnancy, plans to become pregnant or breastfeeding before use; call your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.257