Tretinoin is a powerful skincare ingredient with a mountain of scientific evidence behind it. It can help to improve blemishes and reduce fine lines, as well as limit discolouration caused by sun damage.
But it’s the Marmite of skincare – while some love its effective results, others hate the dry and irritated skin it leaves behind. Fortunately, its more powerful big sister – tretinoin – is a little less divisive.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is an acne and anti-aging medication that’s a type of Vitamin A. It promotes the growth of new skin cells and encourages collagen production, which results in smoother, younger-looking skin. It also treats discoloration and reduces pores. It can take a few weeks to see results, but it’s worth the wait.
Tretinoin can be used alone or with other topical treatments such as retinol and chemical peels. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when using this treatment.
Before applying tretinoin, gently wash your face and let it dry. Avoid the eyes, mouth, corners of the nose, and mucous membranes. Avoid sun exposure or use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If you have rosacea, you may need to be more cautious about using this product. The sensitivity that often accompanies this condition can make it hard for tretinoin to work. However, you can try a lower-strength product such as 0.025% or 0.01% to see how your skin reacts.
How to Use Tretinoin Cream
When retinol first burst onto the beauty scene, it became the Marmite of skincare: some loved its effective results, others cursed the irritated, flaking and dry skin that came with a retinol regimen. Fortunately, retinol’s more powerful big sister, tretinoin, can offer similar benefits without the blemishes and dryness.
Tretinoin works by increasing the rate at which your cells turn over, exfoliating dead skin and pushing new cells to the surface. This can help clear blemishes, improve uneven pigmentation, limit discolouration and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply tretinoin to your skin every night, after washing and drying your face. Use a small amount of treatment to cover the areas you want to treat. Using a gauze pad, cotton swab or your fingertips, carefully rub the cream into your skin. Avoid your lips and mouth, as tretinoin can irritate the delicate tissue there. It’s also a good idea to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and keep your skin well-hydrated while using tretinoin.
Common Side Effects of Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A, can do some pretty amazing things for the skin. It helps to prevent breakouts, decrease the severity of pimples that do occur and promotes natural healing. It also affects the way your skin cells grow, making it a powerful anti-ageing treatment.
It increases collagen production, works on pigmentation and treats sun damage, all while minimising fine lines and wrinkles. However, it’s not a miracle cream and you may have to use it for months before your skin really starts to clear up. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Your doctor will design a specific skincare routine for you, including which strength of Tretinoin to start with and how often to apply it. Be sure to follow their instructions exactly. It’s also important to avoid windburned or sunburned skin, and don’t use other products containing acid (like salicylic acid) on the same area of your face as tretinoin.
Tretinoin Creams
Tretinoin is a powerful skin care treatment that can heal acne and prevent signs of aging. Its main ingredient is a form of Vitamin A that the body naturally synthesizes. The cream works by healing the skin beneath the surface and reducing hyperpigmentation, especially melasma. It can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production.
When you first start using tretinoin, you may experience skin dryness and flaking. This is due to a process called purging. This is where old dead skin cells are shed due to the increase in cell turnover. The good news is that the skin irritation and dryness will subside as you continue to use tretinoin cream.
It is important to note that tretinoin can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. This means you should avoid direct contact with the sun or UV lamps (sunlamps). It is recommended to always wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun. This is to minimize the risk of sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. tretinoin cream uk