Tretinoin is a substance derived from Vitamin A and is frequently added to creams to reduce skin imperfections, wrinkles and acne. This type of cream, also referred to as retinoic acid, can improve the quality of skin collagen and can also increase skin firmness, decrease oil production and improve healing of the skin.

Creams with tretinoin can be accessed with a prescription at the pharmacy in doses that vary between 0.01% and 0.1%. It is usually prescribed by a dermatologist depending on treatment goals. Tretinoin can also be used as a chemical peel in concentrations between 1 and 5%, as well as for exfoliation so that a new, healthier skin layer can be generated.

In addition, tretinoin can also be easily found in low doses in regular creams. Be sure to use these types of creams as instructed on the package.

Health benefits

Tretinoin can be beneficial for the treatment of:

Acne
Dark spots
Freckles
Melasma
Loose or rough skin
Smoothen wrinkles
Acne scars
Recent stretch marks
Scars or other skin irregularities

Tretinoin can be used on its own or combined with other substances to optimize its effect, like hydroquinone or fluocinolone acetonide.

It is important to remember that higher doses of tretinoin can be used in chemotherapy, as indicated by the oncologist, for treatment of certain types of cancer, like bone marrow and different types of blood cancers. Doses of tretinoin need to be very high to ensure cancer cell death.

How to use it

The effects of tretinoin on the skin can be obtained in the following ways:

1. Topical use

This is the main way that tretinoin is used and comes in a cream or gel form. Doses are usually set between 0.01% and 0.1%. Topical forms are applied once or twice a day to the face or to the skin area as indicated by the dermatologist.

Creams or gels should be a applied as a thin layer and rubbed into the skin carefully. It should only be applied to the face after washing the skin with soap and water, and drying with a clean towel.

2. Chemical peel

Tretinoin can be used in chemical peel treatments by trained estheticians or dermatologist. This peel exfoliates the first, most outer layer of the skin, stimulating growth of new skin cells that are smoother, softer and more uniform.

The chemical peel is a deep treatment that leads to faster and more visible results than creams

Possible side effects

Tretinoin can also have some disadvantages and unwanted side effects. Some of the most common ones include:

Local redness to the area where applied
Over-exfoliation of the skin, leading to peeling or flaking
Burning or feeling of bites in the area where applied
Dry skin
Small lumps or colored blotches
Swelling to the area where applied

If you experience intense symptoms, you should discontinue the use of tretinoin immediately and see your doctor or dermatologist to assess the need for a dose change or an alternative product.

Side-effects will occur more frequently when higher concentrations of the substance are used, as is the case with 0.1% creams.