What is tretinoin cream used for?

What does tretinoin do for acne?

Tretinoin belongs to the retinoid family of medicines derived from vitamin A. Retinoids affect how skin cells mature and help shed surface scale. For acne, tretinoin helps keep pores from becoming blocked rather than acting as an antibiotic. Acne starts when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells; bacteria can then grow inside and cause inflammation.2345

Topical retinoids treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples. They are useful for mild to moderately severe acne, but tretinoin alone is not an appropriate treatment for severe acne with deep nodules or cysts. A dermatologist can combine treatments that address different causes of acne, and can use a retinoid as maintenance once breakouts are controlled.36

Does tretinoin help wrinkles, dark marks and scars?

Tretinoin speeds the turnover of surface skin cells and boosts collagen, helping improve skin tone and fine lines. Tretinoin can soften fine wrinkles, but it does not remove them, so 'erase' belongs on stationery rather than skincare. Longer use can reduce some visible effects of sun exposure, including freckling and sun spots, without repairing all sun damage.123

Dark marks after acne are called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Topical retinoids help lighten these marks and can reduce acne scarring, but a dark mark and a depressed scar are different problems. Moderate or severe scarring needs a dermatologist's assessment before you try a retinoid. Tretinoin is also used with other active ingredients for melasma, a pigmentation condition; that is a separate treatment plan, not a reason to assemble your own bleaching cream.236

How do you apply tretinoin cream?

1. 1Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water. Avoid medicated, abrasive or drying soap.
2. 2Let the skin dry as directed for your prescription.
3. 3Use clean fingertips to spread a thin layer over the affected area. Keep it away from your eyes, ears, mouth and nose corners. Do not apply it to sunburned skin or eczema.
4. 4Apply at bedtime on the schedule prescribed. Do not use a larger amount or apply more often.
5. 5Use moisturizer to manage dryness as directed. Your dermatologist can recommend applying moisturizer before the retinoid if irritation is a problem.

Use the strength prescribed for you. General retinoid guidance favors starting with a less intense formula and building up gradually; a dermatologist can adjust the amount or frequency for prescription tretinoin. Do not change the prescription schedule yourself. Cream formulations are generally less irritating than gels, although tretinoin can still irritate skin.236

What belongs in the rest of the routine?

For acne, wash gently twice daily, remove makeup at the end of the day and choose products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they are intended not to clog pores. Do not scrub or pick spots: scrubbing can worsen irritation, and picking can cause scars. A gentle cleanser remains useful alongside prescription treatment.5

Use nonmedicated cosmetics and avoid products rich in alcohol or menthol that can sting. Makeup can stay in the routine. Discuss other topical medicines with your prescriber, especially benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hair removers and sulfur or resorcinol products. Combination acne treatment can be useful, but the ingredients and schedule should be selected together.16

Protect treated skin from sunlight. Seek shade, wear protective clothing and apply a water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to uncovered skin. For acne, choose a noncomedogenic sunscreen. If your skin is sensitive, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option. Avoid tanning beds and unnecessary prolonged sun exposure.26

How long does tretinoin take to work?

Acne can initially worsen during the first 7 to 10 days. Early improvement can appear after 2 to 3 weeks, but allow at least 6 to 8 weeks to assess fewer breakouts; topical retinoids can take 12 weeks or longer. Fine wrinkle improvement can take 3 to 6 months, and some improvements in sun related changes require more than 6 months. Benefits can gradually disappear after stopping treatment.136

Who should be careful with tretinoin?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Tell your prescriber if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and call your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Discuss skin allergies, marked dryness, eczema or substantial redness before starting. Eczema can worsen with drying retinoids. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, making a gradual start and moisturizer particularly useful. Previous irritation does not automatically mean an allergy; describe what happened so your dermatologist can choose an appropriate plan.1236

Which symptoms need medical help?

Dryness, peeling, burning and redness can occur. Contact your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist; call immediately for rash, hives, itching, or pain at the treatment area. Do not treat these symptoms as something to push through. Get an acne review for deep painful spots, scarring, treatment that is not helping, or acne affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen skin can indicate infection and also needs assessment.15

Is tretinoin the same as retinol?

No. Both belong to the retinoid family, but tretinoin is a prescription acne medicine, while retinol is sold without a prescription for concerns such as uneven tone and texture. Retinol percentages do not have to appear on every cosmetic label, which is a curious place for a cosmetic label to discover restraint. Do not treat a retinol product as an interchangeable replacement for prescribed tretinoin. For mild cosmetic concerns, a less intense retinoid can be a more appropriate starting point.2