Tretinoin, which is also known as Retin-A, is a topical vitamin A-based medication that reduces acne, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and melasma. It also promotes quicker skin cell turnover, which fades actinic keratosis spots and evens skin pigmentation.

This treatment can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so wear sunscreen and a hat when going outside. It can also cause redness, itching and irritation.

Acne

There is a lot of evidence that tretinoin helps treat acne. It’s known to reduce breakouts, smooth rough skin, and fade dark spots and discoloration. It works by preventing skin cells from clogging your pores, which is one of the main causes of acne.

The retinol in this cream can help by promoting the process of epidermal turnover. This means your skin creates and replaces new skin cells at a faster rate. It also promotes shedding of the dead skin cells that build up on the surface of your skin and form plugs in your hair follicles. These plugs can then lead to mild forms of acne like blackheads and whiteheads or more severe forms such as papules, pustules or cystic acne.

You should apply tretinoin once a day, ideally at night, after washing your face. It’s important to make sure your skin is completely clean before using it, and you should avoid using other skincare products that might cause irritation, such as astringents or harsh cleansers.

Fine lines and wrinkles

While wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, they can be lessened with proactive skin care and preventative measures. Tretinoin cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging the growth of new skin cells. It also boosts collagen production, helping firm up the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

It may take a while before you see the full effect of tretinoin cream, as it can take 2 to 3 weeks for it to start working. However, if you are patient and apply the medication correctly, it can make all the difference in the world.

It is advisable to start with low strength tretinoin, such as 0.025% or 0.05% and work your way up. You should also avoid using any other products on the face until you have used tretinoin for several weeks or even months. Consult a skincare specialist to find out which skin products are compatible with retinoids. This will help ensure the best results.

Sunburn

Tretinoin is a powerful ingredient that can be found in many over-the-counter products like gels and ointments. It’s also available by prescription for acne, fine lines & wrinkles, pigmentation, melasma, & more.

When used correctly, it can be an effective treatment for all of these issues. But it’s important to be patient & know that results won’t happen overnight. In fact, it can take up to 12 weeks before you see a difference.

During this time, you may experience dryness or peeling skin, which is normal. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Applying it more often than prescribed won’t make it work faster & may increase your risk of irritation. If you have underlying conditions, like rosacea, that cause sensitivity, you’ll need to be extra careful when using Tretinoin. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin, especially around your eyes, mouth & nose, & use a gentle moisturizer after each application. Also, wear sunscreen with SPF 15+ every day while you’re using this medication.

Dry skin

If you have combination skin with an oily T-zone & drier cheeks, Tretinoin can help balance your complexion. But you’ll need to find a moisturizer compatible with Tretinoin that addresses your dry areas without exacerbating the oiliness. Avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid as these may irritate your skin. Medications increasing your sensitivity to sunlight (including some antibiotics) can also cause irritation when used with retinoids.

While your Tretinoin cream will improve dry skin, it won’t get rid of wrinkles, freckles & other discoloration. You’ll need a full beauty regimen to achieve the results you desire. Be sure to consult a dermatologist for guidance. UPMC notes that if your dry skin becomes severe, it could indicate an underlying health condition like diabetes, hypothyroidism or Sjogren’s syndrome. It’s also not a good idea to apply tretinoin to sunburned or open wounds. Wash your hands before and after applying the medication. Gently dry your skin with a towel. Then, using your fingertips or a gauze pad or cotton swab, apply just enough medicine to cover the treatment area(s). Tretinoin 0.1% cream