Tretinoin before and after

Amal_Warda · May 24, 2022, 3:32pm

Tretinoin before and after is a powerful skincare ingredient with numerous advantages. Tretinoin diminishes fine wrinkles and lines.** The complexion becomes more uniform. The skin becomes silky and elastic. Pores diminish visibly. And you can say goodbye to blackheads and breakouts.

Tretinoin is a powerful skincare ingredient with numerous advantages. Tretinoin diminishes fine wrinkles and lines. The complexion becomes more uniform. The skin becomes silky and elastic. Pores diminish visibly. And you can say goodbye to blackheads and breakouts.

These superpowers justify the inclusion of tretinoin in your skincare regimen. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid (a type of vitamin A) and the more potent relative of retinol available over-the-counter. It is 20 times more effective than retinol1 and its safety and efficacy have been supported by over 50 years of research2.

In addition, tretinoin is the only retinoid approved by the FDA for photoaging (aka signs of accelerated skin aging like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores due to repeated sun exposure).

So how do you know that you will obtain results? We invited a few Dear Brightly users to submit their before and after images using Night Shift, a dermatologist-formulated topical tretinoin serum customized for your skin by online dermatologists, so that you can determine if tretinoin is good for you.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin, a medication produced from vitamin A, is used topically to treat a variety of skin problems, such as acne, rosacea, melasma, keratosis pilaris, and others. This product belongs to the class of drugs known as retinoids and influences the proliferation of skin cells.

Refissa, Renova, and Retin-A are some examples of tretinoin products. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on this medicine, and medical professionals concur that it has potential anti-aging effects on the skin.

It has been demonstrated that tretinoin can prevent, minimize, and treat wrinkles. Additionally, it treats and prevents aging spots. By boosting collagen production in the skin, it structurally strengthens the skin, resulting in a younger appearance.

Tretinoin is marketed under the following brand names:

Altreno
Atralin
Avita
Refissa
Rejuva
Renova
Retin-A
Stieva
Tretin-X

It is also an ingredient in combination goods, including:

Solage
Tri-Luma
Veltin
Ziana

Tretinoin: How to Get the Most Out of It

As is the case with the vast majority of skincare products, there are instructions on how to use them properly for maximum effects. Patients should always apply topical tretinoin to their skin before bed instead of during the day.

In addition, patients should never use tretinoin with treatments containing glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Patients should wait 15 to 30 minutes after cleansing their face before applying tretinoin.

Acne may appear worse during the first few weeks of treatment with tretinoin, as the medicine treats acne from the inside out. Patients should begin to observe results eight to twelve weeks after initiating treatment with tretinoin. To notice the results, it is necessary to take this drug daily.

Tretinoin Characteristics

Tretinoin is utilized to treat acne and other skin conditions as determined by your physician. It functions in part by keeping pores clean.
One of the tretinoin creams is used to cure fine facial wrinkles, dark patches, and rough skin caused by the sun’s UV rays.
It works by whitening the skin, replacing older skin with new skin, and slowing down the rate at which the body eliminates sun-damaged skin cells.
Tretinoin is most effective when used in conjunction with a skincare regimen that includes sun protection. However, it does not totally or permanently eliminate these skin issues or significantly improve more noticeable skin changes, such as sun-induced or age-related deep wrinkles.

This medication is only available with a prescription from a doctor.

The following dosage formulations are available for this medication:

Gel/Jelly
Cream
Lotion

Tretinoin to treat acne

Retin-A is a generic form of topical tretinoin used to treat acne. A prescription is required to purchase topical tretinoin in the United States. Adapalene is the only retinoid drug available over-the-counter (OTC) (Differin).

Typically, topical tretinoin is both a short- and long-term alternative for eradicating aggressive breakouts. It is used to treat stubborn acne spots on the skin. Tretinoin is effective for many individuals, but not all. Continue reading to learn what you should know before using tretinoin to treat your acne.

Advantages of using tretinoin to treat acne

Tretinoin is a retinoid, which is a vitamin A derivative. On the skin, retinoids stimulate cell turnover. As new skin cells rise to the surface, the removal of damaged skin cells is accelerated. A faster cell turnover widens your pores, releasing acne-causing germs or irritants that have become trapped.

Additionally, retinoids such as tretinoin help your skin manage its sebum (natural oil) production, so preventing recurring outbreaks. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory qualities that eliminate active acne pustules.

Tretinoin for wrinkles

The effects of tretinoin on the visual signs of aging have been extensively explored. There are both short-term and long-term effects of tretinoin cream on the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, tretinoin is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter faces and eye products.

Tretinoin for acne scars

Additionally, tretinoin can be used to diminish the appearance of acne scars. Since tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover, it can promote new cell development at the scarring location. Multiple formulations of tretinoin have been shown to effectively cure acne scars. Tretinoin is also sometimes used to prepare the skin for scar-targeting chemical peels.

Summary:

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid (a type of vitamin A) and the more potent relative of retinol available over-the-counter. The FDA has approved it as an ingredient for photoaging, which includes wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores due to repeated sun exposure.

Tretinoin side effects

Acne treatment with tretinoin might induce negative effects. Some are likely to be more severe than others.

Possible adverse effects include:

Irritated or itchy skin
Peeling or redness on your skin
Uncommon dryness of the skin
Your skin feels nice and warm to the touch
Your skin becomes paler at the application site of tretinoin

Acne treatment with tretinoin can take up to twelve weeks to produce visible benefits. Consult a doctor or other healthcare expert if your skin becomes irritated when using tretinoin over-the-counter to determine if your symptoms are typical.

Tretinoin is not suggested for pregnant or nursing women:

When using tretinoin, sun exposure should be avoided at all costs. Due to skin cell turnover and decreased sebum, the skin may be more susceptible to sun damage and sunburn during the first few weeks or longer.

Consider other preventative steps, such as wearing a hat with a brim, and always applying sunscreen before being outdoors. If you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction or severe side effects with tretinoin, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Drug interactions

Other topical acne drugs may interact with tretinoin and cause skin irritation or exacerbate adverse effects, such as a burning feeling. Avoid using other external cosmetic procedures (such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as well as products containing sulfur) while using tretinoin unless they are part of a plan agreed with your doctor.

Also, avoid products that dry the skin, such as astringents and alcohol-based cleansers.

Summary:

Acne treatment with tretinoin can take up to twelve weeks to produce visible benefits. Sun exposure should be avoided at all costs, as the skin may be more susceptible to sun damage and sunburn.

How to use tretinoin for acne?

If you wish to use tretinoin to treat acne, select a cream or gel with a low concentration (0.025 percent) of the active component. As your skin adapts to the treatment, you can gradually increase the concentration if necessary.

To administer tretinoin effectively and safely:

Before taking any topical acne medicine, you should wash your skin with warm water and pat it dry. Before applying any cream or lotion to your face, you should wash your hands. Before applying the medication, ensure your skin is totally dry by waiting a few minutes.

Apply just enough medication to cover the affected region lightly. You do not need to apply the medication in a heavy coating to your face. A dime-sized amount of the drug should be sufficient to cover the entire face.
Spread the medicine away from critical areas such as your eyes, nostrils, and lips using the tips of your fingers. Lightly massage the cream or gel into your face and allow it to absorb thoroughly.
For optimal results, tretinoin should be used once at bedtime. In this manner, it can pierce entirely into the skin as you sleep and have less interaction with the sun. In the early hours following this treatment, it is preferable not to use makeup.

If your skin does not improve after 8 to 12 weeks, consult a dermatologist (a skin doctor) about prescribing tretinoin or other treatment alternatives.

Takeaway

Tretinoin is an efficient long-term acne therapy. Studies indicate that it promotes cell turnover, which can help to balance out your skin tone, treat outbreaks, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

In the first few weeks of treatment, tretinoin can worsen acne, but after a few weeks, you should observe improvement.

What is the purpose of tretinoin?

As a topical skin therapy, tretinoin is not novel. Since the 1960s, it has been used to treat mild to moderate acne. Combination medicines containing tretinoin and antibacterial agents are sometimes used to treat acne.

According to scholarly research, tretinoin is useful for:

Decreasing the irritation caused by acne
Inhibit follicular plugging
Scrubbing the skin

Clinical evidence suggests that topical retinoids are highly effective against both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne, according to a 2017 review. Regular usage of tretinoin may help clear acne and lessen the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Other studies indicate that tretinoin may:

Diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Enhance the condition of sun-damaged skin
Enhance the texture and tone of the skin
Diminish the look of dark areas

What should you inform your physician before using tretinoin?

Consult your physician or dermatologist regarding the particulars of your skin issue. Inquire about the various available alternatives.

Other topics to discuss with your physician include:

Pregnancy: There have not been sufficiently controlled trials to evaluate the safety of tretinoin during pregnancy. Discuss the potential risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so you can make an informed decision.
Nursing: Tretinoin does not appear to transfer into chest milk.
Sun exposure: Inform your physician if your occupation demands you to spend significant time in the sun.
Medications: List all medications you are currently taking, including those used topically. Your doctor must be aware of any potential drug interactions with tretinoin.

If your doctor or dermatologist recommends tretinoin, be sure you understand how it should be taken, how long it will take to determine if it’s working, and warning indications that you should discontinue use.

How to administer tretinoin to the skin?

Before applying tretinoin, you must ensure that your face is clean. Remove any makeup and cleanse your face completely. Be gentle. Washing and scrubbing the skin excessively might create inflammation. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing and drying your face before applying tretinoin.

Application steps for tretinoin

Apply once daily, ideally before bed.
Squeeze no more than a half-inch of the cream or gel onto your fingertips.
Apply it gently to the areas of your skin where you need it to be effective.
The drug should quickly absorb into the skin. If not, try using somewhat less the following day.
Keep in mind that using more tretinoin or utilizing it more frequently will not increase its effectiveness. It could irritate the skin.

Tretinoin is only for topical use. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, and mucous membranes.

While using tretinoin, you should avoid or limit exposure to:

The sun and sunlamps
Wind and arctic cold
Harsh shampoos and hair care items
Cosmetics with a tendency to dry out the skin

Avoid skin contact with substances that may interfere with the medication, including:

Alcohol
Astringents
Lime
Spices

It may take two to three weeks for tretinoin to begin working, but it may take six weeks or longer to receive the entire benefit. Consult your physician if you do not experience improvement after 12 weeks, or if you experience great improvement and wonder if you should begin using it less regularly.

How long does it take for tretinoin to work?

There is no one-time treatment for aging indicators. The skin you have now will not be the skin you have in a year or even a month; healthy people’s skin cells are shed and replaced every 28 days on average (Rodan).

How long does it take for Retin-A to reduce wrinkles, and do the results last? Your skin’s texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots may improve within six to eight weeks of using tretinoin after many skin cell turnover cycles have occurred.

You and your skin are deserving of patience and time. How long it takes to see benefits while using Retin-A for the first time depends on how well your skin adapts to the chemical. Continual application of The Anti-Aging Night Cream will ensure that your life-altering outcomes are maintained.

Summary:

Select cream or gel with a low concentration (0.025 percent) of the active component. For optimal results, tretinoin should be used once at bedtime.

FAQ’s

Following are some of the important questions:

1. How long does it take for tretinoin take to work?

You may notice tretinoin starting to work within 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take 6 weeks or more to experience the full benefit. If you don’t see improvement within 12 weeks, or if you have significant improvement and wonder if you should start using it less frequently, talk to your doctor.

2. What will tretinoin do for my skin?

One of the tretinoin creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by the damaging rays of the sun. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun.

3. Should I use tretinoin every night?

Generally, it is fine to use tretinoin every night, but you may not want to because of the initial side effects, especially when you first start. You should only use tretinoin as prescribed to avoid significant skin irritation, redness, and other side effects.

4. How long until tretinoin clears skin?

It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice a full improvement in your acne, even if you use the medicine every day. Check with your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

5. How do I know if tretinoin is working?

After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.

6. Will I break out if I stop using tretinoin?

While it’s possible for tretinoin to eliminate some dark spots and discolorations, it’s also possible for acne to come back once discontinuing tretinoin.

7. Does tretinoin lighten skin?

Tretinoin Does Not “Bleach” Your Skin

Contrary to popular belief, tretinoin is not a “bleaching agent” or medicine designed specifically to lighten your skin tone. While tretinoin can even out patches of hyperpigmentation and cause a mild change in your skin tone, it doesn’t affect melanin synthesis.

8. Will tretinoin get rid of dark spots?

Tretinoin can help dark spots fade, allowing you to have a more even skin tone. It decreases the amount of melanin in your skin cells (Zasada, 2019). When used for discoloration, tretinoin is usually combined with other skin-lightening products, sometimes in the form of a chemical peel (Lawrence, 2021).

9. Can I use tretinoin forever?

“You can use tretinoin or [over-the-counter] retinol forever.”

10. Can I put moisturizer over tretinoin?

Yes. It’s perfectly safe to use a moisturizer with tretinoin. Tretinoin without moisturizer is generally not recommended. Many dermatologists advise their patients to moisturize while using it to reduce their chance of developing dry, peeling skin.

Conclusion:

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid (a type of vitamin A) and the more potent relative of retinol available over-the-counter. The FDA has approved it as an ingredient for photoaging, which includes wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores due to repeated sun exposure. Acne may appear worse during the first few weeks of treatment with tretinoin.

Tretinoin before and after