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How to Fully Benefit from Tretinoin for Anti-Aging Treatment

Author: Dr. Bobby Buka

Are you dealing with unwanted skin conditions such as acne or rosacea and have had no luck with treatment options? If this is this case, tretinoin may be the answer. This medication is known to do wonders for the skin, and even provide anti-aging benefits.

Read on to learn how to get the most out of using tretinoin for acne.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin, a drug derived from vitamin A, and is used as a topical treatment for an array of skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, melasma, keratosis pilaris, and more. This product is part of a class of medications called retinoids, and affects the growth of skin cells.

Examples of tretinoin products include Refissa, Renova, and Retin-A.

Many scientific studies have been done on this medication, and medical experts agree that it offers promising anti-aging benefits to the skin. Tretinoin has been proven to prevent, reduce, and treat wrinkles. It also helps to treat and prevent age spots. By stimulating collagen production in the skin, it strengthens the skin at a structural level, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

How to Get the Most Out of Tretinoin

As with most skincare products, there are instructions on how to use them correctly to see optimal results. With topical tretinoin, patients should always apply it to their skin before bed instead of during the day. Also, it is important that patients never mix their tretinoin with products that contain glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Lastly, patients should wait at least 15-30 minutes after washing their face to apply the tretinoin.

During the first few weeks of using tretinoin, acne may appear worse as the medication works on pimples from the inside out. Patients should start to notice results eight to 12 weeks after starting tretinoin use. It is important to use this medication on a regular basis to see results.

tretinoin before and after

Important Things to Know About Tretinoin

When using tretinoin, patients should be aware of the following to fully benefit from the medication. If you are interested in a skincare procedure such as a chemical peel, laser light treatment, or microdermabrasion, it is important to inform your doctor that you are using tretinoin, as they may ask you to discontinue use before your treatment.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use tretinoin, as it could harm the child. Lastly, using tretinoin may cause sensitivity to the sun, so sunscreen must be worn anytime a patient spends time outside.

 

If you are located near one of our many locations and are interested in tretinoin, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dermatologists.