Both scientific research and thousands of anecdotal reports have shown that tretinoin works well to reduce acne breakouts. Tretinoin is also widely used in prescription and over-the-counter products to treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage and melasma.
Like other retinoids, it is known to increase skin cell turnover. This process helps decrease the amount of oil and dead cells that clog hair follicles, leading to mild forms of acne called blackheads and whiteheads.
How Tretinoin Works
Tretinoin works by encouraging your skin’s natural processes to accelerate. It helps slough off dead cells that pile up in the pores, forming comedones that attract bacteria and lead to acne breakouts. It also boosts collagen formation, minimizing the appearance of pitted and textured acne scars.
It reduces the inflammation caused by acne, helping to heal existing lesions. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, thereby improving your complexion’s overall appearance.
Using a retinol-based product in combination with your regular facial cleanser can be effective at treating mild acne. It’s important to use a gentle face wash without harsh exfoliants and to gently pat your face dry with a towel. It’s also important to moisturize with a non-comedogenic (non-clogging) moisturizer every morning after washing your face. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face while you’re using tretinoin, as this can cause irritation and peeling. Always use a pea-sized amount of the tretinoin cream. It’s recommended to apply tretinoin only at night, but it’s safe to use it every other night for more sensitive skin types.
How to Apply Tretinoin
Tretinoin is an extremely effective product for clearing up acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone, and helping to prevent hyperpigmentation. It also minimizes the size of pores, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps regulate sebum production (Leyden, 2017).
While it can take a few months to notice significant changes from tretinoin, most people start seeing results within six weeks of regular use (Zasada, 2019). It’s important to remember that not everyone sees the same results and you may experience drier or more sensitive skin while you’re using this medication.
The best way to treat tretinoin is to apply it regularly, as directed by your doctor. Before applying tretinoin, cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser and warm water and gently pat dry with a towel. Apply a pea-sized amount of the medicine to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes, lips, and corners of the mouth. Wait 20 minutes or more before applying moisturizer.
Side Effects of Tretinoin
Tretinoin is an easy-to-use cream or gel. It can be applied to healthy skin that isn’t sunburned or injured, but it shouldn’t be used on open wounds.
It may feel warm or sting a little when you apply it, but this is normal and should go away as your skin gets accustomed to the medication. It is also possible to develop acne breakouts during the first 3 to 6 weeks of using tretinoin, as the medication goes to work in your skin’s deeper layers.
Avoid using other topical acne treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide while you use tretinoin, as these can cause severe skin irritation and can make it hard for the medication to penetrate your skin. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as tretinoin can interact with certain drugs. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. If you experience any serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Results of Tretinoin
The good news is that both scientific research and thousands of anecdotal reports have shown that tretinoin works extremely well to reduce acne breakouts. But it can take a few months, or even a year of consistent use before you see real results.
Tretinoin makes skin cells turn over faster, which means that dead skin cells are replaced more quickly than normal. This prevents them from clogging hair follicles and creating mild forms of acne such as whiteheads and blackheads. It also helps prevent more serious acne lesions such as papules and pustules by inhibiting the production of sebum.
In addition, tretinoin reduces the size of the sebaceous glands and may reduce oil secretion. It also promotes the production of collagen, which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. In addition, tretinoin is an effective treatment for sun damage and hyperpigmentation. However, since it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, you should always use a high SPF when you are using it.Tretinoin for Acne
