If you’ve ever researched treatments for acne, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and certain other skin issues, you may have stumbled upon the name tretinoin. Also known by the brand name Retin-A, it’s one of the most commonly used options for improving people’s skin. Available only by prescription, it’s a dermatologist-trusted and effective treatment for a variety of skin problems.
What exactly is tretinoin, though? How does it work? Is it right for you? If you’re curious about tretinoin, you’re not alone. Millions of people have asked these same questions. Keep reading for helpful, reliable prescription tretinoin retin a information.
What Is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin, or Retin-A, is a form of vitamin A, and it falls into a category of medications known as topical retinoids. It works by helping the body to shed damaged skin cells and grow healthy new ones more quickly. When applied to the skin, it aids in clearing out clogged pores, smoothing rough patches, and lightening dark spots. It can also help diminish fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other blemishes.
How Does Tretinoin Work?
We’ve already touched on some of tretinoin’s uses. Now, we’ll dig deeper. It’s used to treat various skin conditions in different ways. For acne, it unclogs pores, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, and prevents new breakouts from happening. In the case of fine lines, wrinkles, and certain types of scars, it promotes collagen production. That, in turn, improves skin elasticity and can make it look smoother and younger.
Since tretinoin promotes cell turnover, it can address dark spots and correct uneven skin tone. By helping healthy new skin cells to grow, it can treat rough spots and give the skin a smoother, healthier appearance. Tretinoin’s effectiveness is backed by decades of research, and dermatologists have been prescribing it for around 60 years now.
What to Expect When Using Tretinoin
As mentioned, tretinoin is a topical treatment. It comes in the form of a cream or gel, and you apply it to your skin in the areas that need to be treated. You don’t need to apply much, and it only needs to be applied once daily. You should wait half an hour or so after washing your face before applying it to prevent excess irritation. Since it can make skin more sensitive, it’s important to apply sunscreen before going outside while you’re using it.
It’s not uncommon for people to experience a few mild side-effects when they start using tretinoin. Those include skin dryness, redness, peeling, and sensitivity. At the same time, many people find that their skin gets worse for a time before it starts improving. That’s due to your skin getting accustomed to the medication and shedding damaged skin cells more quickly.
Who Can Use Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is generally safe for most people. Dermatologists prescribe it to teens as well as adults of all ages. Still, it’s not right for everyone. People who have extremely sensitive skin may need to use lower-strength versions of it or avoid it altogether. Certain other restriction may also apply.
Improving Your Skin with Tretinoin
Getting a prescription for tretinoin is easier now than ever before. Thanks to virtual healthcare, you don’t even have to leave home to consult with a dermatologist and determine whether this medication is right for you. You don’t have to go to the pharmacy to get it, either. Once it’s prescribed to you, you can have it delivered directly to your front door. It has been trusted by dermatologists for decades, and it’s a safe, effective treatment for a variety of skin issues.