Tretinoin is a powerful skin product that improves several different skin conditions. It can unclog pores, reduce acne and fade hyperpigmentation like sun spots or melasma.
Side effects of tretinoin can include peeling and dryness so it’s important to apply a moisturizer daily after using. It can also make your skin sensitive to the sun so use a broad spectrum sunscreen when you go outside.
Acne
A topical retinoid like tretinoin can help acne by speeding up the growth of new skin cells. It decreases the amount of sebum produced by the oil glands & helps keep pores clear. It can also decrease the severity of the acne pimples & promote the healing of existing ones.
Unlike over-the-counter retinol, which is a natural form of vitamin A, tretinoin is a prescription medication that’s stronger & therefore needs to be prescribed by your doctor. Retinoin can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, for better results.
Apply tretinoin cream or gel to cleansed skin at bedtime, making sure to avoid your eyes, nose and mouth. A dime-sized amount should be enough to cover your entire face. This treatment can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outside & wear a hat if possible. Also, this product can irritate the skin in some people, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when using tretinoin.
Melasma
Melasma is a blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation that can develop during pregnancy or while on hormone contraceptives (like birth control pills). It’s also common for women in their 20s and 30s to experience melasma. It can be hard to treat because even when the hormonal trigger fades, sun exposure can reactivate it.
Retinoin can be very effective for treating melasma. It works by targeting the pigmentation and helping it to break apart and disappear. However, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist about the specifics of your melasma before you start treatment. They can give you an idea of how long it will take to see results and how much sunscreen you will need to use.
Also, be sure to tell your dermatologist about any other medications you’re taking or have recently taken. Some drugs can interfere with tretinoin or cause severe skin irritation. Especially if you have an underlying condition like rosacea that causes sensitivity, you may need to be more careful with how much Tretinoin you use and how often you apply it.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is a topical retinoid that can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It works by boosting collagen and making skin more elastic. This helps give the face a youthful glow. It may take several months to see results.
Tretinoin cream can also be used to treat age spots and blemishes. It can reduce the appearance of fine crease lines near the eyes and mouth, sallowness (yellowish skin tone caused by smoking or UV exposure) and lentigines (age spots). It works by increasing collagen production and speeding up the process of exfoliation.
To use tretinoin, wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Apply a pea-sized amount of the product every night to clean skin. Avoid putting the product near your lips and nose, as it can cause irritation. You can start with a lower strength and work your way up to the higher strengths your doctor recommends.
Sun damage
Long lazy days spent unprotected in the sun leave their mark on your skin, often in the form of fine to medium wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. But if you catch the problem early and protect yourself from further damage, it’s possible to reverse much of this.
Tretinoin, and other retinoids, increase the speed of cell turnover, which makes them effective for treating sun damage. They also stimulate collagen production, which can firm and plump the skin. This combination makes tretinoin cream an excellent treatment for both acne and sun damaged skin.
It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using tretinoin, especially on any parts of the face that have been treated with chemicals, or where there are open wounds or abrasions. A good moisturiser can help minimize dryness and flaking that sometimes happens with tretinoin cream.
A dermatologist can recommend the best tretinoin cream for your skin type and condition. Talk to one at your local clinic, like Columbia Skin Clinic in the Midlands, to learn more. tretinoin cream