Tretinoin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. It is used topically to treat fine wrinkles, irregular skin discoloration, and rough skin texture when used in conjunction with other skincare programs. Tretinoin works by promoting the exfoliation of affected skin areas and unclogging pores. It is considered the gold standard for clinically effective topical retinoids used in anti-aging treatments.
Positive effects of tretinoin:
- Improves fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and overall appearance of photoaged skin.
- Promotes rapid loss of pigment through epidermopoiesis and increased epidermal turnover, which decreases the contact time between keratinocytes and melanocytes.
- Makes the skin less wrinkled, firmer, smoother, and tighter.
- Normalizes keratinization and makes the pores produce less sebum.
Negative effects of tretinoin:
- Side effects with tretinoin are common, including irritation, skin flaking, redness, and drier skin.
- Tretinoin is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Ingredients or materials:
- Tretinoin (a metabolite of vitamin A) is the active ingredient in topical tretinoin formulations.
- Other ingredients in topical tretinoin formulations may include emollients, moisturizers/humectants, solvents, viscosity controlling agents, surfactants/cleansing agents, buffering agents, chelating agents, preservatives, and antioxidants.
It is important to note that while tretinoin is available in prescription-strength formulations, there are also over-the-counter retinoid products available, such as Adapalene gel 0.1%. It is recommended to read the labels, warnings, and directions before using any product containing tretinoin or other retinoids.
