Tretinoin For Acne – What You Need to Know
Tretinoin, also known as Retin-A, is a topical medication that helps reduce the appearance of acne scars. It works by regulating skin cell growth and unclogging pores. It’s also a great option to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Before using, wash your hands and the area you’ll be treating with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Avoid applying it to cuts, scraped, sunburned or irritated skin.
How to Use
Tretinoin comes as a cream or gel and is only available with prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. It is easy to use and can quickly improve your acne and the look of your skin. It’s important to closely follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use tretinoin to get the most benefit from it.
You should wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser and pat it dry before applying tretinoin. You should also avoid using other skin products on the treated areas, including sunscreens, if you’re using this medicine.
You can apply tretinoin twice or more per week as directed by your doctor. It takes one to two minutes for it to absorb into the skin and start working. It’s usually applied at night before bed, and a pea-sized amount should be sufficient for the entire face. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to apply it only every other night.
Side Effects
A few side effects may occur with tretinoin, but they are usually mild and go away within the first few weeks of use. Skin irritation and redness are the most common, especially during the first two to four weeks of use. If these become severe, consult your dermatologist or licensed healthcare provider.
It is important to wash your hands and face well before applying tretinoin. Avoid using harsh cleansers or abrasive scrubs, as these can irritate the skin. Also, avoid sun exposure or products that contain a high amount of benzoyl peroxide.
Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 while using it. It is also not recommended to take oral tretinoin while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. The medication can also pass through breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should also avoid contact with people who have open skin wounds or eczema.
Precautions
For most people, tretinoin is safe when used as directed. However, as with all medications, it is important to follow the prescribing information carefully.
Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin. Avoid excessive washing or scrubbing as this can irritate your skin. Use a mild soap and pat dry with a soft towel. This medication should be applied to the skin once a day at bedtime, avoiding the corners of your mouth and eyes, as well as other easily irritated areas. Apply just enough to lightly cover the affected area.
Avoid other skin treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and topical acne medicines unless your doctor recommends them. It is also important not to use hair removal products such as waxing or electrolysis before and after using tretinoin.
Sunlight exposure and tanning beds are more likely to cause irritation while you are using this medication. If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreens (minimum SPF 30) and wear protective clothing. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not use this medication.
Dosage
Your doctor will decide how much tretinoin to use on your skin. The dose will depend on your skin type and the severity of your acne. Start with a low dose (0.025%) and gradually increase the amount. The higher the dose, the more intense your skin reaction.
Tretinoin works in many ways to improve acne, including by promoting epidermal turnover, blocking inflammatory pathways that activate acne and regulating sebum production. It also has long-term anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.
Before applying tretinoin, cleanse the area to be treated and wash your hands. Avoid using other topical skin treatments at the same time. If you must, use them at different times of the day and keep them away from areas where you have skin lesions, cuts or scrapes.
This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and other sources of light. This can cause sunburn and may increase your risk of early skin aging or skin cancer. If your skin is exposed to sunlight, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen with a high SPF factor. Tretinoin for Acne