Tretinoin gel is a retinoid that helps decrease the number of acne pimples and promotes quick healing of those that do develop. It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, you should limit your time in the sun and use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Acne Treatment
Using tretinoin gel for acne helps decrease the number of pimples and promotes quick healing of existing acne pimples. This is because tretinoin is part of the vitamin A family and increases cell turnover, removing dead skin cells that can clog pores. It also decreases the amount of oil produced by skin which can contribute to acne breakouts.
When tretinoin is combined with niacinamide, it offers powerful benefits for treating acne, aging and hyperpigmentation1. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skincare benefits such as improved skin barrier function, reduced inflammation and diminished hyperpigmentation.
When using tretinoin gel, you should avoid putting it on cut or irritated skin. If your skin is sensitive, apply moisturizer before and after tretinoin. When you start, use tretinoin 2-3 times a week and build up to every night as tolerated. Use the product as directed and call your doctor if you experience severe skin irritation or don’t see improvement within 8 to 12 weeks.
Anti-Aging
Tretinoin is most known as an effective acne treatment, but it also has anti-aging properties. It boosts collagen production, which results in firmer, smoother skin over time. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pore size and fade hyperpigmentation spots like sun spots and melasma.
It is important to note that tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is recommended you avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when using this product. If you do get sunburned while using tretinoin, stop usage until your skin has healed.
You should not use tretinoin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may be passed to the fetus or breastmilk. It is also not recommended for people with sensitive skin or eczema, as it can cause irritation. Also, you should not apply it to sunburned or open wounds. A medical provider should be able to help you choose the right strength and type of tretinoin for your needs.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A that can improve dark spots and uneven skin tone by increasing cell turnover. It also stimulates collagen and new blood vessel growth which can help reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines. This is a prescription medication that should be used as directed by your doctor or dermatologist. It is available in cream and gel form.
It can be combined with niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) to create a powerful blend to treat acne, ageing and hyperpigmentation. This is often referred to as a ‘retinol complex’.
After 40 weeks of treatment, the lightening of the designated postinflammatory hyperpigmented lesions was significantly greater with tretinoin than vehicle (clinical evaluation, 2.6 +-0.2 units; colorimetry, 2.7 +-0.2 units). The change in the lesions’ L* value was close to that in normal skin. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the clinical and colorimetric changes.
Skin Care Tips
Using Tretinoin Gel requires discipline and commitment. You can’t expect your skin to react perfectly immediately; it takes time for the product to work and you might experience some irritation like dryness, flaking or sensitivity as your skin adjusts.
To help minimize these side effects, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, particularly a thick, rich formulation that is designed to restore the moisture barrier. Use sunscreen daily, as this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
It’s also a good idea to start off slowly with this medication, using it 2-3 times a week and gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds up a tolerance. Also, avoiding skincare products with exfoliating ingredients like acid scrubs and over-the-counter retinols is usually a good idea, as these can irritate the skin and increase side effects of Tretinoin.
Lastly, since the active ingredient in this medication degrades when exposed to light, you should apply it at night before bed, as opposed to the morning or mid-day.Tretinoin 0.1% Gel