Is Tretinoin An Effective Acne Treatment
In general, retinoids such as tretinoin are the mainstays of acne treatment, and this is because theyre widely effective and popular for that reason.
Although popular, you may be wondering: What does tretinoin do for acne?
According to research from the International Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, tretinoin is an effective topical acne treatment option, producing reductions in the number of both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions, unclogging pores and even reducing discoloration and acne scars.
For more severe forms of acne, tretinoin may be combined with another treatment, such as birth control or antibiotics.
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Although many powerful skincare ingredients to treat acne require a prescription from a medical provider, Curology has made that part ultra simple!
Jain S. Topical tretinoin or adapalene in acne vulgaris: an overview. The Journal of dermatological treatment. .
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Prep Your Skincare Routine
The best thing you can do before you start using tretinoin is make sure you are using gentle skincare products.
The absolute worst thing you can do is use products with irritating, drying ingredients that will only make your skin angry.
Tretinoin will make your skin extra sensitive during the adjustment phase. This is why its important to stop using certain products. I will talk about ingredients and products to avoid in a little bit.
Simplify your skincare routine by using less products and products that are gentle and designed for sensitive skin.
- A gentle, sulfate free cleanser
- A bland moisturizer
Yes, that is really all you need.
You can use other products, but I recommend sticking to a very simple routine for a few weeks. If you do want to use other products, just make sure the ingredients arent irritating.
Also Check: How To Clear Acne Prone Skin
How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Tretinoin is used to treat certain types of acne. Tretinoin works by causing the skin’s outer layer to grow more quickly and be replaced with new skin cells, which helps to reduce the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne lesions. It may take several weeks to see improvement in your acne and the full effect of this medication may not be seen for 8 to 10 weeks.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What Should I Watch For While Using This Medicine
Your acne may get worse initially and should then start to improve. It may take 2 to 12 weeks before you see the full effect.
Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day, unless directed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or health care professional: other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Avoid cold weather and wind as much as possible, and use clothing to protect you from the weather. Skin treated with this medicine may dry out or get wind burned more easily.
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Is There An Acne Skincare Range That Wont Strip My Skin
The great news? You dont need to shell out for an expensive dermatologist appointment to start your acne-treatment journey. There are some great over-the-counter solutions, but they may not be what you expected.
A smart approach is to find a complete acne skincare system that protects your skins moisture barrier while treating the cause of your acne. Many of you will have Proactiv springing to mind due to celebrity-focused TV advertising. However, Proactiv reviews leave much to be desired, not to mention the high prices and lengthy commitment expectation.
The name Exposed Skincare may not ring any bells, but its fair to say it is one of the most underrated acne skincare systems on the market. Heres why:
- You dont need to book, endure, and pay for a doctors appointment to reap the benefits of Exposed Skincare, but the results are medical-grade
- It has a far smaller price-tag than similar acne skincare systems
- No matter how mild or severe your acne, Exposed Skincare gently treats the skin without stripping oils, leaving your skin comfortable as well as clearer
- Exposed Skincare wont leave your skin at the mercy of the sun as many other skincare regimes and medications do
- Exposed Skincare contains azelaic acid, a key ingredient that helps to increase cell turnover and prevent dead skin cells from building up. In this sense, it acts very similarly to retin-a, but does not cause the same irritation and discomfort
How To Avoid Tretinoin Side Effects
One of the best ways to avoid possible side effects of tretinoin is to follow the drug information located on the package or in the medication guide. If your doctor or dermatologist writes you a prescription for tretinoin and the instructions they give you are different from the manufacturers instructions, then its best to follow your doctors instructions.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Getting Acne
Role Of Retinoids In Acne Management
It is generally agreed that multiple molecular pathways are involved in acne, with four primary pathophysiologic mechanisms :
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Abnormal desquamation within the sebaceous follicles that leads to obstruction of the pilosebaceous canal.
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Androgen-driven excess sebum production.
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Proliferation within the follicle by Propionibacterium acnes, which generates proinflammatory stimuli.
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Altered immune system activity and inflammation.
While there is an interplay among the pathogenic factors, abnormal desquamation and sebaceous hyperplasia are arguably the most important because together they are thought to induce the microcomedonethe precursor of all acne lesions . The essential action of inflammation in all ongoing processes of acnefrom the initiation of the microcomedone to the secondary lesions is also increasingly appreciated .
Dose-dependent actions of adapalene at the molecular level. From Tenaud et al.
Dose-Dependent Effects on Primary Acne Lesions
Most recently, the fixed combination adapalene 0.3%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% has shown efficacy in a patient population with substantially more severe acne than is typically treated by topical monotherapy . The higher concentration 0.3 A/BPO was associated with higher clinical success rates and efficacy on all types of acne lesions .
Dose-dependent clinical success rate of 0.3 A/BPO, A/BPO, and vehicle in patients with severe acne at baseline. From Weiss et al.
Effects on Secondary Acne Lesions
Side Effects Of Tretinoin
“The main side effects are dryness, so I often recommend moisturizing with the product,” Karp says. “I think applying the moisturizer followed by the tretinoin is the easiest way.”
According to our experts, tretinoin is suitable for most people the only people who should be wary of it are those who have extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, or who are or might become pregnant. It may prove too harsh for the former skin conditions, and even though it’s a topical medication, pregnant women are advised against using it.
If you don’t have extremely sensitive skin, severe rosacea, and you’re not pregnant, tretinoin might be for youespecially if you suffer from a specific type of acne. “In my opinion, tretinoin is a great option for comedonal acne since it helps exfoliate and prevent plugging,” Williams says. “We now have a newly FDA-approved topical tretinoin in lotion form, which should help manage the dryness that can often happen when starting a retinoid.”
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Find Your Hormonal Acne Fighting Team
If you haven’t used tretinoin for hormonal acne, be prepared to reduce your acne and even signs of aging drastically. But, dont forget that hormonal acne is complex and often caused by internal mechanisms, like a hormonal imbalance. Pair tretinoin with another topical medication or oral treatment for your best chance to defeat hormonal acne once and for all.
Not sure where to start? Apostrophe has your back in your fight against acne. Well connect you with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider who can create a personalized skin care treatment plan to target your hormonal acne and other skin concerns. Discover the joy of clear skin today with Apostrophe.
Tretinoin For Acne: How To Use It Efficacy Side Effects And More
- Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and a prescription medication for the treatment of acne
- This is a topical medication available in cream, gel and lotion formulas
- Tretinoin is indicated for mild-to-severe inflammatory and noninflammatory acne
- Treatment will vary depending on acne severity and the skins response
Acne is a very common skin disease among both adolescents and adults that develops when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, debris and sebum . Acne can present as mild pimples, blackheads and whiteheads or more severe cysts and nodules. While there are a wide range of options, tretinoin for acne is considered a first-line treatment and a mainstay in acne management.
Contents
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What Exactly Is Acne
Before we explore how Retin-A cream treatment can reduce acne, lets recap what acne is and how it is caused.
Heres what happens to your skin before and during an acne outbreak:
- The hair follicle becomes filled with dead skin cells and sebum
- The dead skin cells cluster at the top of the follicle
- The sebum builds up in the follicle and cannot escape
- The built-up sebum and dead skin cells cause an acne pustule or pimple
- The bacteria present in the clogged follicle thrive and proliferate beyond normal levels due to the build-up of dead skin and sebum
- Sometimes, the built-up sebum and bacteria cause deeper, wider infection of the skin. This is what causes cystic acne scars and those painful, pressure-packed whiteheads
How Long Does It Take To See Results
Its important to know that if youre using tretinoin cream to treat acne, it wont cure the condition it will just control breakouts. Tretinoin can actually make acne worsen during the first 710 days of treatment, resulting in red, scaling skin, and increased pimples. Over time, the acne blemishes should disappearthis usually takes 23 weeks but can sometimes take more than six. Its also important to know that you have to use tretinoin consistently to see real improvement .
If youre using topical tretinoin to reduce wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and/or rough feeling skin, it can take 34 months or up to six months before you see results. If you stop using the medication or are inconsistent with your treatment, any improvements you see may disappear over time. Always use the product as prescribed by your healthcare provider .
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Tretinoin comes as a lotion , cream , and gel . Tretinoin usually is used daily at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use tretinoin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it. Your acne probably will get worse during the first 7 to10 days that you use this medication. Nevertheless, continue to use it the acne sores should disappear. Usually 2 to 3 weeks of regular use of tretinoin is required before improvement is seen.
Tretinoin may reduce fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration, and rough feeling skin but does not cure them. It may take 3 to 4 months or up to 6 months before you notice improvement. If you stop using tretinoin, the improvement may gradually disappear.
Use only nonmedicated cosmetics on cleansed skin. Do not use topical preparations with a lot of alcohol, menthol, spices, or lime they can sting your skin, especially when you first use tretinoin.
Do not use any other topical medications, especially benzoyl peroxide, hair removers, salicylic acid , and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you have used any of these topical medications recently, ask your doctor if you should wait before using tretinoin.
Your doctor may tell you to use moisturizer to help with dryness.
How Can Pandia Health Help
Acne is a journey, so youll want expert guidance along the way. Our expert doctors can prescribe a range of acne treatments, including tretinoin, and will always recommend what is best for you and your skin.
Are you ready to give tretinoin cream a try?
Also, did you know that birth control can be used to manage acne? Explore your options with our expert birth control doctors. With just one $20 payment a year, you can get access to our expert doctors for 364 days. To manage your acne with birth control, contact us today.
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Why Do We Get Acne
Some people are fortunate enough to go through life without experiencing acne . However, acne affects around 50 million people in the United States, so youre certainly not alone.
You may have been told as a teenager that acne is caused by a bad diet full of sugar and fat. While diet is definitely a factor in the cause and treatment of acne, it doesnt tell the whole story. Thankfully, studies and modern medical advice have debunked that unhelpful just eat healthier and your acne will clear up myth. In other words: your acne isnt your fault.
One of the most common causes of acne is hormonal changes, which is why it is so prevalent among teens. During puberty, testosterone levels skyrocket, causing that oily teen glow and pimples over the cheeks, forehead, and jaw.
However, acne isnt reserved solely for teens. Adult acne is common, especially among women. This is because the hormones that ebb and flow during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy , and menopause strongly affect our sebum production. Birth control pills are often prescribed as acne medication because they regulate acne-causing hormones, leading to reduced sebum production and consistently clear skin.
Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately:
- itching
- hives
- pain or discomfort at the treatment area
Tretinoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
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Tretinoin For Cystic Acne And Hormonal Acne
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Your bathroom shelf has seen cleansers, gels, moisturizers, pads, masks, oils, toners, creams, and who knows what else. But has any of it really helped your acne?
Searching for an acne treatment that works can be difficult, costly and sometimes worsen the problem youre trying to remedy.
There comes a point where you have to suspend the over-the-counter skincare war and bring in a professional.
Prescription medications like tretinoin offer treatment for acne with the guidance of a healthcare professional or certified dermatologist, and sometimes thats whats needed to turn a corner on your acne problem.
What Are The Side Effects Of Retin Cream
While Retin-A is considered safe and has been used with excellent results for decades, there are side-effects to consider.
Knowing what to expect when using tretinoin will help you to stick to the plan without surprises. Common side-effects are:
- A tingling or burning feeling when you first begin your cream Retin-A acne treatment
- Dry, flaky, irritated skin. You may also notice peeling. This should likely pass once your skin gets used to the cell-renewing effect of gel or cream Retin-A
- Skin that is prone to sunburn due to increased sensitivity to the sun. Make sure you wear sunscreen on your face daily and avoid the sun whenever possible
The great side is that because tretinoin cream is not an over-the-counter product, you have to consult with your doctor before getting your hands on it. This allows you to cover all the bases such as drug interactions, existing skin conditions, and a plan to deal with side-effects such as dry skin when using Retin-A.
Gather up all the health information you can, and go forth with the knowledge and solutions to make your Retin-A experience an effective one.
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How To Use Adapalene In Your Skincare Routine
Adapalene can generally be used as part of your morning or evening skincare routine. Its typically used once daily, at the same time each day. For best results, follow the directions on the package, or ask your prescribing medical provider.
Adapalene can be the second step of a simple 3-step skincare routine. It can be applied after washing your skin and followed up with a moisturizer. If youre using it in the morning, always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step of your routine. At Curology, we recommend using retinoids like adapalene at night, but follow your provider’s or the labels recommendations for specific directions!
Remember: its cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect.
