Is tretinoin cream safe?

Is tretinoin safe?

Tretinoin is a prescription treatment. It belongs to the retinoid family of vitamin A based treatments and is used for acne and fine wrinkles. Cream, gel and lotion forms exist; follow the directions for your prescribed product rather than borrowing another formula's routine. Tretinoin is not the same medicine as oral isotretinoin, which is prescribed for severe acne.14

Who should be especially careful?

Tell your prescriber about eczema, skin allergies, marked dryness or existing redness before starting. Tretinoin can severely irritate skin affected by eczema. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, so starting slowly and using moisturizer are especially useful. General retinoid guidance favors a less intense formula and gradual increases in use; your prescriber should set the strength and schedule for tretinoin cream.24

What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Most experts recommend stopping topical tretinoin during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin, stop and call your doctor to discuss the exposure and another treatment. Tell your prescriber if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before using the cream. Pregnancy safety remains uncertain, so do not treat a topical cream as automatically safe because it is not swallowed.123

How should you apply tretinoin cream?

1. 1Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water. Let the skin dry as directed.
2. 2Use clean fingertips to apply a thin layer over the affected area at bedtime, following your prescription's frequency.
3. 3Keep the cream away from your eyes, ears, mouth, nose corners and genital area. Do not apply it to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema.
4. 4Use a moisturizer if your prescriber advises it for dryness. Do not apply extra cream to replace a missed dose.

What needs to change during the day?

Minimize sun exposure and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided. If your skin is sunburned, wait until it has fully recovered before applying tretinoin again. Outdoor work or an existing sensitivity to sunlight calls for particular caution. Wind and cold can also irritate treated skin.2

Can you keep using other acne products?

The aim of acne treatment is to prevent spots, not to assemble the largest possible bathroom collection. Review other topical medicines with your prescriber before combining them with tretinoin, especially benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur or resorcinol products. Abrasive cleansers, strongly drying cosmetics and products with high alcohol concentrations can add irritation. If a previous treatment has irritated your skin, let those effects settle before starting tretinoin.125

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Acne can worsen during the first 7 to 10 days. Improvement can begin in 2 to 3 weeks, although it sometimes takes more than 6 weeks. Fine wrinkle improvement takes several months, which is a lot of calendar for such a small adjective. Early worsening does not mean you should ignore a painful reaction.1

Severe redness or peeling can require less frequent application, a temporary pause or stopping altogether. Stop for a suspected sensitivity reaction. Call your doctor immediately for rash, hives, itching or pain at the treatment area. Seek medical help for acne that remains uncontrolled, causes deep painful spots or leaves scars.125