What is topical Tretinoin?

What is topical Tretinoin?

Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid, is a derivative of Vitamin A. It is a prescription topical medication that is usually in a cream or gel consistency. People are generally more familiar with Retinol, an ingredient commonly found in over the counter anti-aging skin care products. Retinol and Tretinoin are both derived from vitamin A and work in a similar way. You can think of Tretinoin as being the “big sister” to retinol; they both work by speeding up your cell turn over process which becomes longer as we age. Although Tretinoin is only available by a prescription, there are many reasons to visit your local Trinity, FL or New Port Richey, FL Dermatologist to see if you are a good candidate for topical Tretinoin.

Tretinoin has many great benefits to the overall health and appearance of your skin. By speeding up the cellular turnover process, it stimulates collagen production, therefore strengthening the skin. This can help with the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin caused by sun damage. Tretinoin also helps to keep pores clear, making it an effective treatment for acne. People who are currently using over the counter retinol but are not seeing as much of a result as they would like to may be a good candidate for Tretinoin, as Tretinoin is able to work in the deeper layers of the skin. Your health care provider may recommend using Tretinoin alone or in combination with other skin care treatments and /or products as part of a complete treatment plan. This will depend on skin type, condition, and specific concerns.

It is very important for patients to be compliant with the dosage of Tretinoin as discussed with their Dermatologist or Aesthetician. Dosage and strength of Tretinoin will be different for different people. It is crucial to wear sun protection while on this medication as it can make you more susceptible to sun burn. Applying sunscreen on a daily basis and re-applying throughout the day is recommended. Tretinoin is typically applied at night so that way it does not interact with the sun or other skin care products used in the daytime. Side effects such as dryness and irritation are normal during the first several weeks of use. Using a soothing moisturizer for your skin type can help reduce these side effects as your skin adjusts. Always talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience while using Tretinoin. As long as you are using your Tretinoin as prescribed, the majority of patients are very pleased with the results they see within the first few months of use.

Schedule a complimentary Product consultation at Trinity Dermatology & Aesthetic Centre in Trinity, FL to see if you can benefit from the use of topical Tretinoin.