Tretinoin is an active ingredient used for the treatment of acne and aging skin. Its topical cream form is very common for treating the appearance of pimples, blackheads, or blemishes, as well as for removing spots on the face.
Its effects, both before and after, are very noticeable, which is why it is currently widely used to rejuvenate the skin and treat many symptoms of skin rashes that may be accompanied by pus.
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What is tretinoin and what is it used for?
It is an active ingredient, an acid derived from vitamin A, with effects against severe acne. Tretinoin removes dirt from the pores, reducing the symptoms of acne, although it is not a treatment that cures it permanently.
Known as holo-transretinoic acid (ATRA), tretinoin also has uses for wrinkles, stretch marks, and rosacea in its isotretinoin form. It is also an active substance related to retinoic acid. All these substances are derivatives of vitamin A, so they share many of its properties and benefits when applied to the skin.
Uses of tretinoin cream
Its most common commercial and medicinal form is tretinoin cream. It is also available as a gel or liquid to use as a lotion.
This vitamin A derivative works by activating the skin cells, encouraging them to repair the skin lesions on the superficial dermal stratum corneum of the epidermis.
The tretinoin cream should be used with caution when recommended by a dermatologist or doctor, as it can cause serious side effects.
When applied to the face, it increases the renewal of the epidermis. Old cells are replaced by new ones that restore and remove marks and scars from the face.
With this commercial form (topical tretinoin cream), it can be used in the following cases:
For acne
Most retinoids and acids related to retinol are effective at eliminating pimples. They are considered anti-acne treatments, producing very good results depending on their purity and concentration.
Tretinoin for mild, severe, and hormonal acne in adults and teenagers is effective and works, and thousands of dermatologists know this, recommending its use when necessary.
The catch is that it is quite strong and you need to be careful with its use. Both tretinoin 0.025 and 0.05 are widely used to treat acne, just like topical adapalene, which prevents the eruption of sebum and the formation of new pimples. You can use this in cream, ointment, or gel form.
For wrinkles
It produces a mild chemical exfoliation, causing the stratum corneum of the skin to renew. Tretinoin for wrinkles is a retinoid formulation known as retinoic acid.
When you apply it to the skin, it absorbs fairly easily. Since retinoic acid is the pure form, that is, the pure acid, it does not need a chemical transformation in the body to penetrate and act on the tissues, which is why it is much more effective even when used in cream form.
Tretinoin for wrinkles is indicated in some cases, although its major use is as a treatment for acne. It is also used for psoriasis.
This formula has more direct effects on the formation of pimples, and for wrinkles, it might be better to use one of the vitamin A derivatives like retinol, which can be pure or serve as the active ingredient in different anti-aging creams, usually in small concentrations. For wrinkles and expression lines, it is often more convenient to use other types of depigmenting agents or even a chemical peel, always considering the specific case.
For stretch marks
It reduces skin marks and uneven coloring, hyperpigmentation. In its topical form, gel or cream, Retin-A tretinoin is used for stretch marks.
After 2 or 3 months, the results are visible. Before that, they are very mild, with redness of the skin and tingling possibly appearing, especially during the first days of application.
From 8 weeks of use, the reduction of the stretch mark becomes noticeable when comparing the before and after.
When the stretch marks to be treated are large and numerous, it is often advisable to undergo an alternative treatment. One that works much faster and more effectively.
For example, to remove white stretch marks, Fraxel laser provides very good results. It works much better, and after some time, when the skin has recovered, the tretinoin cream can be applied to reinforce the results and finish eliminating the stretch marks.
Uses for skin spots
It is the same case as with a stretch mark or small facial scars. Using tretinoin for spots reduces hyperpigmentation or white skin that appears due to a lack of melanin, known as hypopigmentation.
With the lack of melanin, the causes need to be observed, as in the case where melanocytes are scarce or unable to produce pigments, tretinoin treatment will not work as expected.
It should be noted that if the disorder causing excess melanin in the skin (hyperpigmentation) continues after using tretinoin or isotretinoin, spots may reappear on the face or body area where the treatment with the retinoid was performed.
For good results, the causes that lead to the gathering of skin pigments must be addressed. Otherwise, these will form and group again.
Vitamin A derivatives help regenerate the skin, which includes the disappearance of spots and expression signs, but not the causes that generate them.
How to use topical tretinoin
- Clean the skin with water and mild or neutral soap.
- Apply a small amount of product to the affected skin, gently massaging.
- Let it act overnight.
After several hours, when you wake up, you can wash your face or the treated skin area with plenty of water.
Recommended daily dose
- Apply the cream or ointment once a night before sleeping.
Exceptionally, the dermatologist may recommend doubling the tretinoin dose to 2 applications a day for acne. One in the morning and another at night before going to bed. This recommendation is generally for severe acne cases. Low doses are for when there are few pimples and the acne is mild.
For photoaging (spots, stretch marks, and everything related to aging skin), only one daily use is required. Always at night so it can work for several hours.
Depending on the symptoms of the person, the dose may change. Always consult with your doctor to know the exact amount you should use and do not modify it without informing them. It is crucial to follow all the treatment instructions for it to work properly.
Usage Recommendations
Always use sunscreen with full coverage during the day to prevent skin spots from forming.
By removing the outer layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum), you will be much more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation will stimulate more melanin to form in the regenerated areas. If you don’t use sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF +50), it is very likely that spots will appear, and you may even develop sunburn.
It is very important to protect your skin during tretinoin cream treatment and the following weeks.
Do tretinoin capsules have the same effects?
With this form the effects of tretinoin are much stronger and are indicated for cancer treatment. Oral administration should always be prescribed by a cancer specialist. Only topical use is recommended for mild conditions, acne, imperfections, wrinkles, etc.
Side Effects
- Skin irritation.
- Itching.
- Pruritus or difficult-to-control itching.
- Stinging.
- Redness.
- Peeling.
- Liver damage when administered orally (capsules).
It is very common for the first applications to cause side effects from tretinoin. Being an acid, it damages the skin so it can regenerate. This causes mild discomfort and adverse reactions that can generally be tolerated without additional medication. Applying it at night makes the possible side effects and adverse reactions much more bearable.
If you notice an excessive reaction or if pain, rash, and other types of rejection appear, you should see a doctor to stop the treatment or adjust the daily dose. In many cases, spacing out the applications will be enough.
Can tetrinorina be used as a treatment for guttate hypomelanosis?
Hello Inma, it can help to eliminate the upper layer of the skin and make it more even. All retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, work well for peeling or promoting skin regeneration. If this is not enough, you can move on to stronger treatments like fractional laser, cryotherapy, etc.
Can I use the retinoic acid cream while breastfeeding? Does it harm my baby?
It’s better to stop using it during the months of breastfeeding since tretinoin can penetrate the fluids, and the breast milk may contain a small amount.
Hello, I used the Neotetrin F cream, and my face became like I had burned it, very irritated. What should I do?
It is normal to have some irritation and itching during the first days. The side effects of tretinoin are like this. Reduce the application and space out the days if you notice it doesn’t go away.
Can this cream be used for stretch marks during pregnancy?
Hello Sara, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Can the Zudenina Plus gel cause any illness?
In principle, no, unless there is some underlying condition, meaning one that is already present. These products are dermatologically and clinically tested. They are generally quite safe, as long as they are used in the indicated doses and frequency.
Hello, I was prescribed tretinoin since I have spots and pimples on my face. I apply it at night and wash my face very well in the morning, but I have redness, itching, and peeling. I’ve only been using it for a week. Is this normal, or should I stop using it? Thank you.
These are the side effects and adverse reactions it produces. At first, it’s normal to experience discomfort, but if it doesn’t go away, talk to the dermatologist or doctor who prescribed it. In a few days, they should either go away or reduce significantly.
Will it eliminate dark spots on the face? I have a lot on my face and arms.
It can work well, as can retinoic acid and similar treatments, but they should always be used with caution, knowing the causes of those dark spots.
Hello, I use tretinoin for photoaging, my skin has become drier after using tretinoin, can I use The Ordinary hyaluronic acid to help with hydration? Thank you.
Of course, one of the side effects of tretinoin is skin dryness. This happens with all retinoids, depigmenting, and skin regenerating products. They cause dehydration, so using hyaluronic acid in the morning if you apply it at night or any other moisturizer you like is recommended.
If I have marks from rosacea, can I use tretinoin only on those spots or should I apply it to my whole face?
Thank you!
Hello, I was prescribed tretinoin for dark spots on my face, I have been using it for a week at night, but I see the spots getting darker. Is this bad or good?
Hello, I have quite a bit of melasma and dryness on my face, can I use Triluma cream which also contains: 4% Hydroquinone, 0.05% Tretinoin, 0.01% Fluocinolone Acetonide? What foods should I avoid to prevent melanin production? And what foods should I consume? Thank you.
Hello, my name is Melissa. I started using isotretinoin cream 0.25 eight days ago, and I noticed a brown spot on my face since using it. Because of this, I stopped using it. Also, I made a big mistake by not using sunscreen to protect myself. What should I do?
Questions:
1. Will that spot go away?
2. Should I continue using it with the continuous use of sunscreen?
Hello, what cream do you recommend for Fordyce spots on the foreskin? They told me that tretinoin works, but I don’t trust it as it’s a very delicate area. What do you recommend?
How long should I wait after stopping tretinoin treatment before getting pregnant? How long does tretinoin stay in the system? Is there any way to get rid of its residue in the body faster?
Hello, is tretinoin good for molluscum contagiosum virus? I would like to know so I can apply it to my 6-year-old.
Hello, I have melasma, and three years ago, my dermatologist prescribed Betarretin H, which left my face like a baby’s skin. It removed the spots, acne, and softened the expression lines. I used it from March to October, then stopped and always used sunscreen of 30, and in summer, I switched to 50. When March came back, I wanted to continue with the same treatment, but in my country, they removed the cream from the market, so I tried Triluma and Neoquin Forte, but they were nothing like the original treatment. I ended up wasting money. This year, I bought Betarretin again and started using it a week ago. I have already noticed a difference in some pimples, but I want to wait and see if it works for the spots. If anyone has the chance to use Betarretin H for acne, spots, and expression lines, don’t hesitate to use it. Start with every other day for the first two weeks and then every day. And if anyone can send me some to Uruguay, I would appreciate it. Hehe.
Hello Lorena, for spots, if it’s not recommended by the dermatologist, better to use some other depigmenting acid.
Hi, can I use tretinoin if I am a minor?
Hi Lu, you should speak with your dermatologist or family doctor to see if tretinoin treatment is suitable for you or if it should be replaced with another treatment appropriate for your age, history, and symptoms.
Hello, I started my Betarretin 0.025 treatment 3 days ago with full faith for my acne and spots issue. I am already noticing peeling on my jaw, burning, and a bit of redness. I know these are side effects. My question is, what moisturizer do you recommend? I bought one today called Portugal Pearl Cream, but it is for nourishing. I would like to know if I can use it or not. When I applied it, it burned my face a lot. Please help.
Hi, can anyone inform me where I can buy Betarretin H in Alabama?
You should be able to buy it at a pharmacy or drugstore.
Hi, I am using Hydrosam T at 0.100%. I’ve been using it for 3 weeks and am just starting to experience side effects. I apply it every night on my back because I have brown acne spots. Will the spots disappear? Did it work for anyone? Thanks!!!
You need to be patient as the effects are slow. Did the dermatologist suggest a duration for the treatment? As for the side effects of tretinoin, they are likely to last a few days, and then your skin will get used to it.
Hi, I’m using tretinoin, and I had the symptoms as well. It’s been 8 days, and it no longer irritates or flakes as much, but the corner of my mouth cracked, burns, and hurts. What should I do?
Try not to apply it on that area for a few days until it heals. The corners of the mouth and around the nostrils tend to cause more irritation, as they are more delicate areas.
Hello, my name is Cristian, I have acne scars, stretch marks, and spots on my face, what do you recommend since I’ve had them for a while without treatment? I’m thinking of using 4 mg tretinoin, and at the same time, I’m taking 20 mg of isotretinoin in pills.
Do not use them together unless recommended by a dermatologist, as it could be too high a dose. With acne treatment, it’s always best to consult. You may find it helpful to start with a mild peel to see how your skin responds, but let it be done by an esthetician. For mild cases, a cream with glycolic, mandelic acid, etc., might work.
Hi, I’ve been using tretinoin for 4 nights, and it has made my face very red and flaky. Is this normal?
Both are common side effects. Over time, these discomforts should become less noticeable. If it’s too much, the dose might be too high, but if your dermatologist recommended it, you should continue using it. If you find it intolerable, discuss it to see if you need to reduce the dose.