Tretinoin For Acne: How It Works, Benefits, & Side Effects

How Does Tretinoin Work For Treating Acne?

Dermatologists very frequently prescribe Vitamin A-based treatments for acne. However, Vitamin A is only an umbrella term for many forms of a substance known as a retinoid. Derivatives of Vitamin A include tazarotene, retinaldehyde, retinol, and tretinoin. All of these derivatives are distinctly different compounds. They have different chemical and molecular structures and use different processes to bind with the cells in the body. Hence, the impact and side effects of each of these derivatives are significantly different (1).

Retinoids like tretinoin primarily work on improving the skin cell turnover rate. The skin cell turnover rate is the rate at which new skin cells replace dead skin cells. As the substance causes the dead skin cells to be removed from the top of your skin, new skin cells rise to the surface. When the dead skin cells clogging the pores of your skin get replaced, your skin pores open up. This process also helps clear out the acne-causing bacteria (that lay deep beneath your skin) and irritants (that cause acne) that could be trapped in your skin pores (1).

The blogger shared her experience of tretinoin therapy and the weekly updates in the blog. Tretinoin was her last resort after battling for 4 years with acne. She used doctor-prescribed 0.025% tretinoin cream in her night routine. Even though it initially flared the breakouts, by the fifth week, she wrote, “This week I have definitely seen an improvement. I probably had just 2 new small pimples this week, which is a huge difference from before using Tretinoin (i).”

Did You Know?

Acne affects 9.4% of the world’s population, ranking as the eighth most common ailment globally (2).

This way, tretinoin proves to be an effective acne treatment. However, it is not available in its virgin form to apply directly to your skin. You can instead use several products containing tretinoin for your acne treatment.

How To Use Tretinoin To Reduce Acne And Improve Your Skin

Tretinoin is a popular ingredient in several anti-acne products. Though these products may have similar characteristics, the methods of application and the time of treatment may differ. Tretinoin, in its virgin form, is a potent substance. In over-the-counter medications, tretinoin is available only in minute concentrations. Higher concentrations warrant a doctor’s prescription.

Here are the most common forms one may use tretinoin in for treating acne.

1. Cream

Tretinoin cream is perhaps the most popular form of tretinoin for treating acne. Keep the following points in mind before using the cream.

• Make sure your face is clean. Wash your face with a light face wash or cleanser. You can also use water mixed with mild soap or a facial cleanser.

• After washing, pat your skin with a dry towel.

• Make sure you do not rub the towel on your skin. Be gentle. A rough motion may hurt your skin.

• Ensure your skin is dry before applying the tretinoin cream. Wait for at least 20 minutes after you have washed and dried your face. Applying tretinoin to damp skin may cause skin irritation.

Take no more than a pea-sized amount of the tretinoin cream and gently apply it to your breakouts. You can choose to rub the cream lightly over the breakouts or leave it as it is.

2. Gel

Tretinoin is also available as a gel. A tretinoin gel will typically have a lower concentration of the substance. It is readily available over the counter. You can apply the gel in a similar way as the cream.

3. Solution

Tretinoin is available in higher concentrations (up to 0.1%) in the solution form. When applying a tretinoin solution, it is vital to ensure your hands are clean and your face is dry. Take no more than a few drops of the solution on a cotton swab or gauze. Apply the solution locally to the affected areas on your face.

Pro Tip

Steer clear of any harsh skincare products like exfoliants, or alcohol-based products while taking tretinoin, as they might exacerbate skin irritation.

Let us now look at the advantages tretinoin has for treating acne.

Benefits Of Tretinoin For Acne

1. Scientifically Certified

One of the essential advantages of using tretinoin for acne is that it is scientifically approved for the purpose. Several studies have reinforced this advantage over different types of populations. In a study, participants were given two solutions for their faces €“ a tretinoin gel and a simple, non-therapeutic gel. Over a period of 12 weeks, the acne concentration in the group that used tretinoin reduced significantly compared to the other group (3). In another study, a group that applied a combination of tretinoin cream and clindamycin 1% gel saw their acne reduced (4).

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology analyzed data from 154 preadolescent (≤13 years) and 575 adolescent (14–17 years) subjects with acne. The research evaluated the safety and efficacy of tretinoin 0.05% lotion used daily for 12 weeks. Findings showed significant effectiveness in reducing inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions, with mean percent reductions of 49.5% and 44.0% in preadolescents and 50.5% and 41.2% in adolescents.

2. Impact On Wrinkles

All types of eye and face creams contain tretinoin, especially those that claim anti-aging benefits. Tretinoin has a perceivable effect on skin wrinkles (1). Tretinoin is a retinoid and has significant anti-inflammatory properties (5).

3. Impact On Scarring

Since tretinoin works by improving your skin’s cell turnover rate, it may help reduce scarring by encouraging the growth of new skin layers. If you ever undergo a skin peel treatment that targets scars on your face, you can use tretinoin beforehand to prepare your skin (6).

It is hence evident that tretinoin has several benefits for your skin. However, potent substances like tretinoin are best used with care. In the next section, we shall look at the warnings and precautions you need to keep in mind before using tretinoin.

Tretinoin Warnings And Precautions

As with most skin treatments, tretinoin also has several warnings and precautions associated with it. Here is what you must remember before using tretinoin for acne (7).

• You must always consult a dermatologist before using tretinoin for acne treatment. Inform your doctor of any allergies you may have, especially those to Vitamin A or its derivatives (such as isotretinoin).

• If you have a history of eczema, consult with your doctor on the type of tretinoin solution you can use.

• Certain patients who used tretinoin cream had observed an increase of melanocytes and keratinocytes, and increased dermal elastosis (increased deposition of elastin, a skin protein). One may experience skin irritation too. You can clarify the same with your doctor.

• If you are taking photosensitizers (e.g., thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides), you should not apply tretinoin as it may otherwise aggravate phototoxicity.

• When using tretinoin for acne treatment, limit your outdoor time and stay away from sunlamps and tanning beds. Tretinoin is known to increase one’s susceptibility to sun damage. Always step out with sunscreen and protective clothing. Do not use tretinoin if you have a sunburn.

• You must keep tretinoin out of your eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. In case you experience significant irritation on the skin, consult your doctor to reduce the dosage or discontinue usage.

• Using excess tretinoin solution does not lead to faster results. Stick to the prescribed dosage.

In the following section, we look at certain side effects tretinoin may cause.

Tretinoin Side Effects

A significant proportion of acne treatments have side effects. The range of these side effects can vary from mild to severe, depending on the primary ingredients in these treatments. Let us take a quick look at the side effects of tretinoin for acne (7).

• Several products have significant interactions with tretinoin. Using these products alongside or within a few hours of applying topical tretinoin cream or gel may cause irritation, redness, and peeling. Here is a list of such products:

1. Concomitant topical creams
2. Medicated or abrasive soaps
3. Shampoos
4. Benzoyl peroxide
5. Cleansers
6. Cosmetics with a strong drying effect
7. Products with high concentrations of alcohol
8. Astringents
9. Permanent wave solutions
10. Electrolysis

• Hair depilatories or waxes

• The safety of the use of tretinoin in patients younger than the age of 18 has not been established.

• Oral and dermal tretinoin can be teratogenic and fetotoxic, respectively.

• Peeling, dry skin, burning, stinging, erythema, and pruritus are common but temporary side effects of using tretinoin as a topical skin treatment

• Using excess amounts of tretinoin for acne can cause marked redness, peeling, or discomfort.

Tretinoin helps combat wrinkles and improves cell turnover. But how is it different from retinol? Find out in the section below.

Difference Between Tretinoin And Retinol

Both tretinoin and retinol are retinoids that are commonly used in skin care products and topical creams. However, there are key differences between the two.

Retinol is widely found in over-the-counter skincare products. It is available in different concentrations and works slowly to treat the signs of aging. You may need to use retinol regularly for several weeks before seeing any visible improvements.

Tretinoin, on the other hand, is more concentrated than retinol and is available only through prescription. It not only helps reduce the signs of aging but also treats acne and photodamage.

The type of retinoid you use depends on your skin’s needs and your doctor’s recommendations. Hence, always consult a dermatologist before incorporating either product into your skincare regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use tretinoin every night?

You may use tretinoin every night, but it is recommended to follow the instructions prescribed by your skin care professional to avoid adverse effects.

Which is better benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin?

Research suggests that benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin have comparable effects on acne. However, it also suggests that benzoyl peroxide may have slightly better outcomes on papules (8).

Can I use Vitamin C with tretinoin?

Yes, you may use Vitamin C with tretinoin without risking adverse effects.

Do I need to wash tretinoin off in the morning?

Yes, tretinoin is light-sensitive, so it should only be applied at bedtime and washed off the next morning before the application of other products.

Is it OK to mix tretinoin with moisturizer?

Yes, it is in fact recommended to use tretinoin with compatible moisturizers to avoid dry and peeling skin.

Tretinoin is a highly effective solution for treating acne. Watch this video to learn how it can help you eliminate breakouts and achieve clear skin. Be sure to follow precautions and use it correctly.

Was this article helpful?

• Reviewer
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

   

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.

Read full bio of Dr. CP Thajudheen

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E