Tretinoin is a powerful prescription only skin care active which speeds up new (& healthy) skin cell growth. It is a key ingredient in anti-ageing creams & also helps treat acne (acne vulgaris). It can improve pore size & smooth skin texture. It also can help reduce melasma & hyperpigmentation. As a prescription product, you need to have a consultation with your dermatologist or aesthetic doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your skin concerns.
The main issue with tretinoin is that it can cause dry, peeling skin if you use too much at first or apply it too frequently. It is important to start off slow & only apply it 2-3 times a week at first, increasing frequency as tolerated. Also, always apply a hydrating & emollient-rich moisturizer after applying this active. This will make the peeling & dryness less severe.
Another issue with tretinoin is that the increase in cell turnover can cause purging. This is when dead skin cells, keratin & sebum build up in the pores causing a blockage of the pore – this can then develop into blackheads or whiteheads. These can take weeks to clear up. It is also important to always apply sunscreen as this will make your skin sensitive to the sun.
Unlike the over the counter retinol products you can buy at your local pharmacy, tretinoin is far more potent & works immediately after application. It permeates the skin layers & then changes cell behavior & signals how fast a new skin cell should grow, when it should die & other processes. It has been shown to partially reverse some of the structural damage caused by excessive sunlight exposure & also helps with hyperpigmentation. It has also been shown to reduce fine lines & wrinkles, particularly in the nasolabial fold area. tretinoin cream