Dermatologists prescribe tretinoin (also known by its brand name Retin-A) to reduce acne, fine wrinkles and spotty discoloration. It’s a powerful prescription treatment that takes some patience to see results.
This medication is usually applied to the skin once a day at bedtime. Before applying, clean the affected area with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of medication (about the size of a pea) to the skin.
How to Use
Before using tretinoin for acne, be sure that your skin is clean and dry. It is also a good idea to avoid sun exposure while on tretinoin as it can cause your skin to be sensitive and prone to burns. You will need to work with your doctor or skin care specialist to find the best concentration for you. It may take several months to “dial in” the right level of medication.
Usually, tretinoin is available in gels and creams and comes with an instruction sheet that will help you know how much to use. It is typically applied once a day, at bedtime, and spread across your face with the tips of your fingers. You should avoid applying it near your eyes, nose or mouth. It can take a few weeks for the medication to start working but after it does, it will improve fine lines and wrinkles, reduce enlarged pores and dark spots and encourage your cells to turn over faster.
Precautions
While tretinoin is a great anti-aging treatment, you should avoid using it during times of intense sun exposure. This is because it makes your skin much more sensitive to the sun. It is also important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 while using tretinoin.
Your doctor will probably prescribe tretinoin cream or gel, which you should apply to the affected area once per day before bedtime. Wash the face before you do so with a mild cleanser, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not scrub the skin, which can cause excessive irritation.
When applied to the skin, tretinoin decreases the size of pores and inhibits excess oil production. It can also help to reduce hyperpigmentation (areas of darkened skin) caused by acne, allowing the healthy cells underneath to show through. It can also speed up the turnover of skin cells, which helps to keep the complexion clear and smooth.
Side Effects
Using tretinoin may cause mild skin irritation, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. This skin redness & peeling should go away with continued use of the medication. It is important that you avoid harsh cleansers & other products that can irritate your skin. This includes hair removal preparations, astringents, alcohol-based moisturizers & other products that contain retinol or salicylic acid.
You should also be careful when using other medications on the face such as benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics & sunburn treatments. These medications can interact with tretinoin & make it less effective.
Tretinoin is available as a cream, gel or ointment with varying strengths. It is a good idea to start with a lower strength, such as 0.025%, and gradually increase the amount you use as your skin becomes accustomed to it. This is particularly important when starting to use an over-the-counter product with tretinoin, since they are generally made with lower doses of the medication.
Overdose
Retinoids are a class of powerful skin treatments. They’re found in many over-the-counter skincare products, and are also available by prescription. One of the most widely prescribed is tretinoin (Retin-A). It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and is effective against acne. But there are some things to keep in mind when using it.
For example, it makes the skin sun sensitive, so you should avoid direct sunlight. It can also irritate the eyes and mouth, so you should avoid contact with them. Also, it’s not recommended if you have certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis.
If you’re using a prescription form of tretinoin, it’s very important to use two acceptable forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 1 month after. It’s not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medication can also cause severe itching, hives or swelling of the face or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, get medical help immediately. Tretinoin for Acne