Tretinoin cream is used for the treatment of acne or other skin disorders as per the advice of the medical practitioner. It is most commonly available by the name of Retin-A. Apart from acne, it is also helpful in fighting the effects of sun damage or wrinkles. Tretinoin cream blocks the inflammatory receptors and binds to the Retinoic acid receptors to bring out its effectiveness. Tretinoin modifies abnormal follicular formation as a result of excessive keratinization of epithelial cells. It promotes cornified cell detachment and enhances shedding as a part of its acne treatment mechanism.
Tretinoin cream can be used either on its own or in combination with other medications or skin care products. Cystic acne and acne scars have shown the best results when treated with medication. It is a chemically synthesized Vitamin-A derivative used for epithelial cell growth in humans. It is available in a 0.025% concentration in jelly, cream, or lotion form.
Things to remember when using Tretinoin
● It does not start working immediately. The first 2-4 weeks of using the cream result in flakiness or a slight increase in the acne intensity that is a part of the medication working on the skin cells. After 4-6 weeks, the medication settles down and the routinization process of the skin begins in full force. Within 12 weeks there is marked improvement noticed in the skin quality with a decrease in the size of oil glands and pores. After 6 months, the collagen production is marked giving rise to smoother and radiant skin
● Applying the cream to a face that is not cleansed of impurities or dried can result in adverse reactions after use. For best results, clean the face before application of the cream and dry it before use. Apply the Tretinoin cream in a thin layer on the acne-prone skin. This should be done daily at bedtime for a duration advised by the doctor or as long as the breakouts last. Wait for 20-30 minutes till the skin is completely dry for applying it.
● Do not use cosmetics over the cream. The chemical nature of Tretinoin already makes the skin vulnerable during its period of use. Using cosmetics over the cream will result in adverse reactions with an increased risk of exacerbated acne because of blockage of the pores. Further, it may interact with the efficacy of the medication and prevent it from exerting its therapeutic effects.
● Tretinoin comes in gel and cream forms with both versions having their set of advantages and disadvantages. Tretinoin creams are thicker and contain the highest levels of medication. They take time to show results but are safer and more skin-friendly in the long run. Tretinoin gels are transparent and less concentrated than the cream versions. They tend to show quicker results but can irritate the skin more than cream versions. Do not use the medication without the consultation of the practitioner and use the form advised by them on the basis of your skin problem and skin type.
● Not everyone is eligible for use of the medication. Tretinoin should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding ladies or in women trying to get pregnant. It is strictly contraindicated in people with eczema or other chronic skin conditions, especially on the face. Additionally, it should not be used in people with sunburn tendency or light sensitivity or those taking photosynthesizing drugs.

Now that you know how you should use Tretinoin to your advantage, make sure to buy the drug from a reputed online store to rest assured of its efficacy and avoid unwanted side effects in the long term.