Tretinoin helps to clear acne & reduce the number & severity of breakouts. It lightens pigmentation in postinflammatory hyperpigmented skin & also increases collagen levels.

Fine lines & wrinkles are caused by loss of collagen & sun damage. Studies show that retinol can reverse the signs of aging if used consistently.

Acne Treatment

Tretinoin helps decrease the number of acne pimples and promotes healing for existing lesions. It also regulates sebum production to prevent future breakouts from occurring.

It can also help fade hyperpigmentation, like dark spots, that can sometimes be a side effect of severe acne. This happens by promoting cell turnover and exfoliation.

Over time, this can also help improve your skin’s texture and tone, creating a more radiant appearance.

Always wash your hands before applying retinol and be careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth or nose. Start with an over-the-counter cream or gel with 0.025 percent to 0.05 percent tretinoin and build up to higher doses as your skin adjusts. Apply this medication once a day at bedtime and avoid excessive washing or scrubbing your face. Avoid using other topical acne treatments, especially salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, unless approved by your dermatologist. Sun protection is essential while using retinol as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Anti-Aging

Tretinoin cream treats mild acne and anti-aging by speeding up the skin cell turnover process, allowing new cells to replace the older damaged ones. It also helps to prevent the formation of blackheads by unplugging pores. It can also treat rough skin, balance uneven skin tones and reduce sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Studies show that tretinoin can improve the appearance of photoaging, including fine lines and wrinkles, sallowness (yellowish skin tone caused by smoking or UV exposure), and hyperpigmentation, as well as decrease the occurrence of lentigines (age spots)1.

Apply tretinoin cream at night after cleansing your face. Avoid using it during the day and don’t layer it with other products containing alcohol, menthol, spices or lime (including astringents, toners and dandruff shampoos). Use only a pea-sized amount for your entire face. It is important to use it only as directed by your physician.

Melasma Treatment

Tretinoin is renowned for unclogging pores and treating acne, but it can also fade pigmentation, sun spots and melasma. It works by accelerating skin cell turnover and helping to even out skin tone, but it can take some time before you see any results.

Combined with a whitening cream such as hydroquinone, it’s been shown to be extremely effective in reducing the appearance of dark patches caused by melasma. Your dermatologist may also recommend treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or platelet-rich plasma to boost your results.

Some skin conditions, like rosacea, can cause sensitivity when using Tretinoin. It’s important to discuss any underlying skin conditions with your dermatologist before you start treatment.

Sun Protection

Tretinoin is very effective in reducing the appearance of sun damage to the skin. It increases the production of new cells, promotes blood supply to the treated area, and decreases the dark color of sun spots. It also decreases the breakdown of the skin barrier and prevents the formation of lipofuscin (age spots).

Patients using tretinoin should use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection every morning before going out, even on cloudy days. The sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day as needed.

Patients should also wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection from the sun. Avoid exposing the face to sunlight, especially around 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s rays are most harmful. Washing the face three times per day with a gentle cleanser such as ZO facial cleansers or Vanicream Facial Cleanser is recommended. Patients should also avoid using any other skin products that can cause irritation including harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring chemicals or hair removers, and any skin products containing alcohol, spices, astringents or lime. Tretinoin 0.05% Cream