Tretinoin is a powerful medication that is very effective for treating acne and slowing down the aging process. It works by increasing the turnover rate of skin cells and removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. The increased turnover rate also helps to prevent new pimples from forming and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may take some time for the full benefits to be seen, but most people see improvement in their skin within a few weeks of starting tretinoin.
It is very important to follow the instructions from your dermatology provider. The dosage and frequency will vary depending on your individual needs. It is also very important to protect your skin from sunlight while using tretinoin. This is because the tretinoin can make your skin sensitive to the sun. This means that you should avoid sunbathing and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outdoors. It is also a good idea to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen every morning after you wash your face.
You should also not use any other skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid while using tretinoin gel. These products can cause severe irritation if used together. It is recommended that you wait at least two hours after applying tretinoin before putting on any other facial products.
The type of tretinoin you use will depend on the level of strength that your doctor recommends for your skin. This is called the potency or concentration. For example, if you have very sensitive skin, your doctor might recommend a lower-potency product such as Obagi’s micronized tretinoin gel 0.05%. This product is time released and is gentler on the skin. However, if your skin can tolerate it, a higher-potency product such as Retin A 0.1% may be more appropriate.
Both gel and cream forms of tretinoin are available. Both are applied topically and come in a variety of strengths. The most common formulation is a gel. Gels are often less irritating than creams because they are absorbed into the skin more slowly. They also tend to be more portable than creams, which can be messy if you apply too much of the medication.
Regardless of the type of tretinoin you are prescribed, it is very important to let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you are taking, especially any that can affect your immune system or cause sun sensitivity. It is also very important to avoid smoking and consuming caffeine while using tretinoin.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use two forms of birth control while on tretinoin and for six months afterward. If you are planning to have a baby, your doctor must test you for pregnancy before prescribing the medication. It is very dangerous to take tretinoin while pregnant, and it has been linked to birth defects in unborn babies. It is also not safe to breastfeed while using tretinoin. tretinoin gel