Tretinoin is a powerful prescription medication that promotes faster skin cell growth and can help treat acne, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and uneven tone. It’s also known for its ability to stimulate collagen production.
However, it can cause a variety of side effects like dry skin, redness and peeling. Moreover, it can be easily degraded by sunlight.
Acne Treatment
Retinoids are a powerful class of medications derived from Vitamin A that help improve the appearance and texture of the skin. They help decrease acne pimples and promote quick healing of active ones. Tretinoin is one of the most effective retinoids in treating acne and also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also increases cell turnover to prevent the buildup of sebum (oil) that can cause acne and increase discoloration of the skin.
To use tretinoin gel as an acne treatment, start with a low dose and slowly work up to higher strengths as your skin gets used to the medication. Use a clean finger to apply a pea-sized amount of the cream or gel to the areas where you have acne or where there are visible fine lines and wrinkles.
You may experience “purging” during the first few weeks of using tretinoin gel. This is when existing acne buildup may surface more quickly because of the increased cell turnover, but it’s temporary and should resolve within 4-6 weeks.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin has been shown to reduce signs of aging by sloughing off old, damaged skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones. It also promotes collagen production and stimulates blood vessel growth, improving circulation to the skin. This results in a plumper, more youthful appearance.
It has also been proven to fade hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or hormone changes, and lighten scarring from acne and eczema. It also decreases fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the production of new collagen, which can reduce their depth and severity.
A dermatology provider will decide whether to prescribe tretinoin gel or cream, depending on the patient’s skin type and concerns. It is important to wash the face with a mild, gentle soap and moisturize well while using this medication. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is recommended that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors.
Skin Brightening Treatment
Tretinoin is not just for acne, but is also a powerful anti-aging treatment that can reduce wrinkles and skin discoloration. Studies show that it speeds up skin cell turnover, improves skin texture and evens out skin tone (Yoham, 2020; Zasada, 2019).
Exposure to the sun causes loss of collagen, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (skin darkening or blotches). Tretinoin helps to prevent this by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for making pigment (melanin) in the skin. It can help fade hyperpigmentation and sun spots and also improve the appearance of melasma in pregnancy-related melasma spots (Guan, 2022).
When used correctly and consistently, tretinoin gel can help to restore and maintain healthy and radiant skin. The benefits of tretinoin can be enhanced by using other skincare products like azelaic acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. These are typically added to a personalized tretinoin cream formula and are prescribed by your Curology provider, depending on your skin needs and goals.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles Treatment
Tretinoin is known for its acne-fighting abilities, but it’s also effective for fighting early signs of aging. The powerful ingredient fades actinic keratosis spots and evens skin pigmentation, while speeding up the turnover of superficial skin cells.
It’s also been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production. And, if used with a good sunscreen, it can help prevent further damage from sun exposure.
A form of synthetic vitamin A, tretinoin can be found in products like Retin-A and Avita. Applied topically, it speeds up the creation of new skin cells that replace old ones. It’s been proven to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin by reducing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sallowness as well as improving rough skin patches. It comes in different strengths, and your dermatologist will recommend one that works best for you. The lower the strength, the less irritation it causes. It’s important to be consistent with it to see results. tretinoin gel