Tretinoin is a topical treatment that speeds up the skin’s cycle of renewal, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also stimulates collagen and improves skin elasticity and pigmentation.
Tretinoin is a retinoid, which is a synthetic form of vitamin A. It’s most commonly used to treat acne, but can help with other skin issues too.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A that’s used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by encouraging your skin to produce new cells at a faster rate and removing old, damaged ones.
The medication should be applied to clean, dry skin before bedtime. You should use a moisturizer in the daytime as well to keep your face from feeling too dry and flaky. Avoid using harsh soaps or products that can irritate your skin. It’s also important to protect your skin from sunlight, sunbeds and hair removal (electrolysis, waxing, chemical depilatories) while taking this drug.
During the first few weeks of using this medication, your skin may look worse. This is a normal reaction called the ‘skin purging’ phase and can be caused by the medication speeding up your skin’s cell turnover rate. After this period, your skin should improve. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, speak to your doctor immediately.
Can I get a prescription for Tretinoin in the UK?
Once only talked about in doctor’s offices, tretinoin has gone viral thanks to the rise of skinfluencers and its promise to reduce acne, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. But, is it actually possible to get a prescription for this buzzy ingredient in the UK?
Dr Sheraz explains that while retinol can be found at your local pharmacy, tretinoin is “a medical treatment and needs to be prescribed by your dermatologist or GP. They will ask a series of questions to make sure that you are suitable for this product. This includes your age, if you have any other skin problems and if you are taking any medication.”
Your prescriber may also ask that you use a moisturiser with high-quality ingredients to help with dryness or irritation – a good place to start would be with a moisturiser that contains glycerin, shea butter and panthenol. They will also check that you are using sunscreen in the daytime as tretinoin can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Can I buy Tretinoin online?
Retinoids are a favourite skincare treatment of dermatologists worldwide and have become one of the most popular products to help treat acne and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can also correct hyperpigmentation, improve skin smoothness and boost cell turnover to rejuvenate the complexion.
Tretinoin is available by prescription only and can be purchased online at reputable skincare websites like Skinorac and HighStreetPharma. These sites promise low prices and fast delivery to your door without the need for a doctor’s appointment.
Once you have found a reputable website, you can start the consultation process and complete your free consultation with an online dermatologist who will design a treatment plan for you including how much strength of Tretinoin to start with and how often you can increase the frequency and concentration. They will also give you personalised instructions on how to apply your product and any specific warnings that may be relevant to your circumstances. Once your consultation is complete, you will be able to purchase your Tretinoin online and get it delivered straight to your doorstep.
Why is Tretinoin not available in the UK?
A potent topical retinoid, tretinoin works to shed dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new ones. It’s also known to increase collagen synthesis, reduce pigmentation and even out skin tone.
According to consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson Dr Adil Sheraz, tretinoin can improve acne and signs of aging, smooth skin texture, reduce pigmentation issues and help with sun damage by blocking tyrosinase (an enzyme that helps create pigment). It can even tackle fine lines and wrinkles and pore size.
Sheraz explains that anyone who has tried other forms of retinol but doesn’t see results should talk to their dermatologist about a prescription-strength retinoid. She also adds that anyone who’s prescribed tretinoin should use a moisturiser with hydrating and soothing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter and panthenol.
If you’re looking for a place to buy tretinoin online in the UK, look no further than UK Meds. Our online consultation asks all the same questions a doctor or dermatologist would so you can rest assured knowing that the product you’re buying is legitimate and safe to use.tretinoin uk