Tretinoin is a go-to medication for treating acne and anti-aging concerns. Derived from vitamin A, it works by shedding old skin cells and boosting the production of new, healthy skin cells. While it has been used for decades as a treatment for mild to moderate acne, its anti-aging benefits have made it increasingly popular among those in perimenopause and menopause. If you’re wondering about the benefits of tretinoin cream, we’ve got you covered, plus we share the risks and how to use it.
What Is Tretinoin Cream?
Tretinoin is a prescription-only retinoid that is known to help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, scarring and skin aging. It’s a super powerful skincare ingredient that can reduce oil production and increase cell turnover, opening pores and stimulating collagen production. Tretinoin is often used as an acne medication, as well as an anti-aging product to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. It’s sold under brand names including Retin-A and Renova, and is available in gel, cream, and lotion forms. It comes in different strengths from 0.01% to 0.1% and you can work your way up as your skin becomes more tolerant to it. You may start to notice the effects of tretinoin within 2-3 weeks, but it can take 6 weeks or more to experience the full benefits for acne treatment, and 3-12 months for anti-aging.
6 Benefits of Tretinoin Cream
- Acne treatment- tretinoin increases the rate of cell turnover and calms inflammation, reducing redness and helping clear the pores so they can shrink. It’s often prescribed for comedonal acne or more inflammatory forms of acne that are deep in your skin and filled with pus.
- Anti aging effects- increased cell renewal also stimulates collagen production, which is the key protein that gives structure to the skin. Increased collagen offers anti-aging effects, including a reduction in wrinkles and enhancing skin elasticity.
- Smooths skin texture- by encouraging the shedding of old dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new ones, tretinoin helps smooth out the skin’s texture. It’s ability to boost collagen production also helps with texture, keeping the skin smooth and firm.
- Repairs sun damage- by promoting the growth of new, healthier cells and stimulating collagen and elastin production, tretinoin can help repair visible signs of sun damage. It can reduce fine lines caused by sun damage, lighten dark spots, and improve overall skin tone.
- Improves hyperpigmentation- tretinoin can help with hyperpigmentation including sun spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation from acne. Increased cell turnover allows the damaged skin to exfoliate.
- Clears pores- by increasing cell turnover and boosting exfoliation, tretinoin clears debris in the pores, allowing them to shrink back to their normal size.
5 Risks of Tretinoin Cream
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun
- Skin irritation- burning, stinging, itching or redness
- Skin dryness
- Worsening of acne
- More serious side effects include allergic reactions (swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat), vision changes and hearing loss. These reactions are rare, but possible. If you experience any of them, stop use immediately and go to the emergency room. You should also not use tretinoin if you are pregnant as it can affect the developing fetus.
How to Use Tretinoin Cream
1. How to Start
If you’re new to tretinoin, you want to give your skin time to adjust and build up tolerance to the cream. It’s recommended to start with a retinol product before tretinoin to help your skin build tolerance, and then cautiously add tretinoin to your skincare routine once you’ve mastered retinol. You’ll want to start it slowly and gradually. Start at the lowest strength of tretinoin (typically 0.025%). Apply it 1-2 times per week for a few weeks and if your skin is fine with it, you can build up frequency from there. Going full force from the beginning can be damaging to the skin, causing sensitivity and irritation.
2. Application
Tretinoin cream should always be applied at night. When retinoids are exposed to sunlight it can cause a reaction that leads to immediate and long-term damage in your skin. Light can also degrade tretinoin, making it less effective. Remove your makeup, cleanse and dry your face, then apply a very thin layer of cream to your entire face and neck area. Apply a pea-sized amount to your finger tip and place tiny dots around your face. This helps you distribute it evenly when you gently rub it in. Avoid applying it directly to your lips, sides of your nose and areas close to your eyes as these areas can get particularly irritated.
3. Aftercare
After applying tretinoin, let your skin dry for about 20 minutes to allow the tretinoin to absorb. Then apply a hydrating moisturizer. Since tretinoin can cause dryness and irritation, moisturizer can help reduce these effects. In the morning, make sure to wash your face, apply skincare, and always finish with sunscreen. Your skin is going to be more sensitive to the sun while using tretinoin, so it’s important to never skip your SPF and try to avoid having your face and neck in direct sunlight as much as possible. If you’re spending time outside, stay in the shade or wear a wide brimmed hat.
4. Mixing with Other Products
Tretinoin works best when used with gentle, hydrating products. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides as they can counteract dryness and irritation, while supporting skin barrier function. Steer clear of using other retinoids, exfoliating acids and benzoyl peroxide while you’re using tretinoin. Using them at the same time can cause excessive irritation.
Tretinoin cream is a great product for acne and anti-aging. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription if you think it could help with your skin concerns.
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