How Does Tretinoin Gel Work?
Tretinoin is a powerful prescription medication that works by increasing skin cell turnover, which helps clear acne and reduce wrinkles. It’s available only through a doctor and can be more effective than over-the-counter retinol products.
Patients can choose between gel and cream formulations. Both can cause side effects, but the type and severity varies by person and their unique skin type.
Acne Treatment
Tretinoin can improve acne by increasing skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. It can also reduce pore size and help fade dark spots from acne and sun damage.
It’s also an effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. ‘Think of it as a fast-forward button for your skin cells, allowing fresher, healthier ones to be brought up to the surface,’ says Dr Elif. It can also help improve melasma and hyperpigmentation, as well as decrease the appearance of acne scarring.
When used regularly, tretinoin can reduce excess oil production and prevent pores from becoming clogged with sebum. It can even help with hyperpigmentation and melasma by breaking up pigment molecules, preventing them from spreading or getting darker.
It’s best to start slow with tretinoin, applying it 2 or 3 times a week and gradually increasing frequency as your skin gets used to it. Apply a hydrating, emollient moisturizer after you use it to minimize dryness and flaking.
Anti-Aging Treatment
As we age, our skin cells lose their elasticity and collagen production slows down, which leads to fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, rough texture and more. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid that helps reduce these signs of aging by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation and stimulating new cell growth.
Aside from its anti-aging properties, tretinoin can also treat blackheads and improve rough skin patches that occur with mild acne by dissolving excess oil and minimizing pore blockage. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure.
Before applying tretinoin, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat it dry. Then, use a clean gauze pad or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of the gel to your forehead and other areas on your face. Avoid using other facial products, such as creams or exfoliators. You may notice dryness or peeling, which will subside over time as your skin builds a tolerance to the medication.
Wrinkle Treatment
Tretinoin, under the brand name Retin-A, was first used as an acne treatment, but researchers soon found that it also fades actinic keratosis spots and evens skin tone, making it one of the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients. The reason is that tretinoin speeds up the turnover of superficial cells, leaving behind fresher and less weathered skin.
A number of studies have shown that a low concentration of tretinoin (0.02%, which is fairly similar to many other widely-used creams) can reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth, coarse wrinkles, skin roughness and even blotchy skin coloration.
Tretinoin is available via prescription as a gel, lotion or cream to cater for different skin types. Oily skin may prefer a gel because it has a drying effect, but creams can work for dry or sensitive skin, too. The best way to find out which preparation works for you is to consult a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor, such as the team at Shani Darden Skin Care.
Sun Protection
Tretinoin and other retinoids speed up skin cell turnover, and this can improve sun damage. However, this type of improvement can only be done over time. You will still have to protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
You can also reapply your sunscreen throughout the day to ensure that you are covered. This is especially important during the first few weeks of treatment when you may notice that your skin is sensitive to sunlight.
If you are unsure how to protect your skin while using Tretinoin, talk to your dermatology provider or other skincare professional. They can suggest a moisturizer that will help reduce irritation and sensitivity while you are using retinol. They can also recommend a high-quality sunscreen that works well with your skin. Resting Beach Face is a great option because it provides both hydration and SPF 30 protection. It’s easy to apply and reapply, and it smells fantastic! Tretinoin 0.1% Gel