Tretinoin for acne: How to use, uses, effectiveness and side effects

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Acne is a condition that develops when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle. Acne can appear anywhere on the body. Currently one of the most commonly prescribed acne medications that are usually derived from vitamin A is called tretinoin (retin-A).

1. What is Tretinoin?

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle. Sometimes bacteria can infect the cyst. This leads to large, inflamed bumps known as cystic acne.
Acne is best known as an inflammatory condition that appears on the face in teenagers and young adults, but it can appear at any age and on any part of the body. . Most acne arises while hormones are up or out of balance.
There are many different topical products on the market to treat cystic acne. One of the most commonly prescribed medications is a vitamin A derivative called tretinoin (retin-A). Topical tretinoin is both a short-term treatment and a long-term treatment option for clearing active acne. Retinoids have been used to treat:
Acne Psoriasis Skin Aging Some cancers Tretinoin is one of the strongest and most effective topical retinoids used to treat acne and aging skin .

2. The effect of tretinoin

2.1. Tretinoin is a retinoid that stimulates skin cell turnover. Dead skin cells are removed from the skin more quickly as new skin cells come to the surface. Faster cell turnover opens the pores, releasing trapped bacteria or irritants that cause breakouts.
Tretinoin also helps the skin regulate sebum production, which can prevent future breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that clear up active pustules. Tretinoin is commonly used to treat cystic acne, a type of acne that flares up into a boil-like infection on the skin. Cystic acne often goes deep into the skin, causing permanent acne scars when it heals.
It's important to work with your dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan that will help keep your skin as healthy as possible and prevent long-term damage.
2.2. Uses of tretinoin to treat acne scars Some dermatologists also recommend using tretinoin to treat acne scars. Because tretinoin speeds up cell turnover in the skin, it can promote new cell growth at the scar site.
Your dermatologist may recommend a technique called iontophoresis. This technique involves applying an electric current to the area of ​​skin that is being treated with medication. Previously, researchers believed that iontophoresis could help topical tretinoin penetrate the skin better. Many patients who receive this treatment have significantly reduced the appearance of their acne scars and noticed improved skin.

2.3. Uses of tretinoin for wrinkles Tretinoin has been studied extensively for its impact on visible signs of aging. Tretinoin cream has been shown to have both short-term and long-term effects on the appearance of wrinkles. That's why tretinoin is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter face creams.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend tretinoin for purposes other than acne, acne scars, and wrinkles, such as:
Hyperpigmentation or tanning. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition that causes small, rough nodules on the skin. Cancer.

3. Tretinoin products

There are several different product names of tretinoin on the market, all of which are used on the skin. Tretinoin can be in the form of a gel, cream, or solution.
Tretinoin cream is thicker and usually contains the highest concentration of the drug, but tends to work more slowly and cause less irritation. Tretinoin gel is transparent in color and contains a lower concentration of the drug, but is fast acting and can cause skin irritation. Tretinoin solutions tend to have the lowest drug content and highest water content and are most easily absorbed. Tretinoin products that contain higher concentrations of tretinoin are commonly used to treat cystic acne. This is the most severe type of acne, and your doctor will be the one to help you determine which tretinoin is best for you.

4. How to use tretinoin cream

If you want to use tretinoin to treat acne, start by choosing a cream or gel with a low content (0.1%). If needed, a higher strength product can be used as your skin gets used to the treatment.
To use tretinoin safely and effectively, you need to do the following:
Clean your skin with warm water and pat dry before using tretinoin. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying any lotion on your face. Wait a few minutes to make sure your skin is completely dry before using the medicine. Apply enough medicine to lightly cover the affected area. You don't have to put a thick layer of tretinoin on your face. A dime-sized amount is enough to spread all over your face. Use fingertips to apply medication, avoiding sensitive areas such as eyes, nostrils, and lips. Gently rub tretinoin cream or gel on your face and let it absorb completely. Apply tretinoin once before going to bed so it can fully absorb into the skin. It is best not to apply makeup immediately after treatment with this medicine.

5. Tretinoin side effects

Using tretinoin for acne can cause some side effects. However, not everyone experiences all of these side effects, and some people's symptoms may be more severe than others. Possible side effects from using tretinoin include:
Burning or itching of the skin Flaking or redness of the skin Unusual dryness of the skin Feeling warm to the touch Skin turning lighter at the site of tretinoin application. It can take up to 12 weeks to see results from using tretinoin. If your skin seems irritated when using it, see your doctor to check if the symptoms are normal.
If after 8 to 12 weeks you don't see any improvement in your skin, talk to your dermatologist about using prescription tretinoin or other treatment options.
When you are using tretinoin for treatment, be careful in the sun. Like all retinoids, tretinoin can thin the skin, making it more susceptible to damage and sunburn. Make sure to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside and consider using additional sun protection such as wearing a hat with a brim.
It is very rare for over-the-counter tretinoin to overdose. Tretinoin overdose is more likely to occur in prescription forms. Signs of a tretinoin overdose include difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness.
If you feel like you are having an allergic reaction or experiencing serious side effects from tretinoin, stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.

6. When should tretinoin not be used?

As one of the most commonly prescribed topical medications for cystic acne, tretinoin is considered safe for most people. However, in some cases you should avoid tretinoin because it can cause health problems.
Do not use tretinoin in the following cases:
You are trying to get pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You have eczema or other chronic skin conditions, especially on the face. Being sunburnt. Sensitive to sunlight. Are taking photosynthetic drugs such as thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides, etc. . .

7. Tretinoin drug interactions

Tretinoin can interact with other topical acne medications, causing skin irritation or worsening side effects such as burning on the skin. Unless they're part of the treatment plan you've discussed with your doctor, avoid using other topical skin treatments, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and products containing sulfur, when using tretinoin.
Also, you should avoid products that dry the skin, such as astringents and cleansers that contain alcohol. Tretinoin is a long-term and effective treatment for acne. While it won't work for everyone, studies show that tretinoin works to promote cell turnover, which can help even out skin tone, treat acne, and reduce the appearance of scars. acne. Tretinoin can worsen acne during the first weeks of treatment, but over the next few weeks you should see visible results.
It can be seen that the effect of Tretinoin on the skin is quite large, but for the treatment of acne as well as other skin problems to be highly effective, you should consult your doctor before use.
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Reference source: healthline.com