Tretinoin gel can treat acne effectively. However, it has side effects. The benefits of this topical formulation include reducing the frequency and severity of acne breakouts and clearing up existing acne.
You may have heard of tretinoin medicine if you have been dealing with acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or other skin concerns. Tretinoin is a topical formulation that often comes in gels and creams and can treat mild to moderate acne, facial wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, among other skin problems. While this medicine may offer various skin benefits, it also comes with potential adverse effects that are important to be aware of. Read on to learn about Tretinoin, the benefits of using this medicine, and more.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a retinoid typically used to treat mild, moderate, and severe acne. Retinoids are a group of compounds derived from vitamin A that support cellular production. Using a retinoid formulation may enhance a variety of skin problems, including acne, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more. Topical tretinoin gel .1 is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating acne, fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and hyperpigmentation (a skin condition when a person develops patches of the skin that appears darker in color than the surrounding skin. Typically prescribed as a topical medicine, tretinoin gel helps to increase skin cell turnover, which allows for gentle exfoliating of the skin. This exfoliation helps unclog pores, making acne lesions less likely to form.
What does Tretinoin gel .1 do?
When applied topically to the skin, topical tretinoin gel helps to increase cell turnover. With increased skin cell turnover, the outer layers of skin cells shed and replicate faster, possibly leaving a user’s skin looking smoother and more evenly pigmented. A rise in skin cell turnover helps prevent pores from becoming clogged while effectively reducing and preventing acne scars. Moreover, tretinoin gel helps to boost collagen production. Collagen is called a protein that supports skin strength and elasticity. Increasing collagen production may improve skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits?
There is a wide range of benefits associated with the use of topical Tretinoin. These benefits include:
- Improves the appearance of acne-prone skin.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Faded pigmentation (appearance of dark spots) from sun damage
- Slows down skin aging
- Increases skin cell turnover number, which helps shed dead skin cells faster and reveals brighter, healthier skin.
- Improves signs of aging caused by external environment factors or inflammation.
- Prevention of collagen breakdown in the skin
Side effects of Tretinoin
Though topical Tretinoin may offer a variety of advantages, it comes with potential side effects that may be troublesome for some individuals. The topical medication increases photosensitivity, which may make an individual more susceptible to sunburns. Those who use Tretinoin may want to consider increasing sun protection by wearing sun lotion, shades, and sun-protective clothing when outside.
Other side effects of Tretinoin may include flakiness, dryness, itchiness, and redness. According to the FDA, people who develop excessive redness, swelling, skin crusting, or blistering should continue to use until their skin heals. Those with eczema may develop severe irritation and are advised to use Tretinoin carefully.
How to use Tretinoin gel?
Topical tretinoin gel should only be applied once nightly before bed. It should be used only at night, as this is when the skin goes through the recovery process. Tretinoin helps stimulate collagen, which assists in collagen stimulation and repair, most of which occurs while we sleep.
Dermatologists recommend adhering to the following routine when using Tretinoin formulation:
- Rinse your face with a gentle cleanser that balances your pH.
- Apply moisturizer and wait for about twenty minutes.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of Tretinoin to the entire face.
When identifying how often to use Tretinoin, it is recommended that individuals assess their skin’s response to the medicine. Some people with certain skin types can tolerate two times a week, while others can handle daily application.
Dermatologists advise against applying Tretinoin .1% with products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, as this will give the skin a double dose of exfoliation, which can be extremely irritating. However, these skincare ingredients are safe when applied at different times of the day.
Additionally, because Tretinoin may increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to make sure the skin is protected and allow the use of Tretinoin year-round.
From where to get Tretinoin gel?
Tretinoin gel is best purchased if you develop mild to moderate acne, cystic acne, or other skin issues. Consult your dermatologist to determine if topical Tretinoin may benefit you.
