If you’re thinking about incorporating this tretinoin buy to your skincare routine, you’ll need to ensure you use it properly to avoid any unwelcome unwanted side effects. Plus, you’ll must be extra careful when out within the sun. Read on to learn why.
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin (also referred to as prescription retinoids or prescription vitamin A) is a highly potent, medical-grade topical vitamin A cream or gel. It contains retinoic acid, which is among the most biologically available active type of vitamin A, and comes in different formula strengths.
Unlike retinol and other over-the-counter versions of vitamin A, tretinoin can be a prescription-only topical treatment. This means you can only purchase it in case you have a script from the doctor or dermatologist who may have properly assessed the skin and deemed its use appropriate.
Tretinoin vs. Retinol: exactly what is the difference?
Tretinoin and retinol are generally classified as retinoids — but there are a few key differences between them:
Tretinoin
Synthetic kind of vitamin A
Only available which has a prescription (classed as a medical-grade skincare product)
Highly potent
Retinol
Natural type of vitamin A
Available over-the-counter and located in many skincare products
Milder formulation
What is tretinoin useful for?
It may seem like tretinoin only has been about the skincare radar recently, however it’s actually a popular topical treatment for acne that’s been employed for almost 50 years. It has become found in reducing inflammation associated with acne, clear existing acne minimizing the severity of outbreaks.
But treating acne isn’t tretinoin’s only benefit. A 2012 study indicates it may also be helpful for:
Improving complexion and texture
Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of liver spots on skin
Improving premature aging of skin because of sun damage (photoaging)
Other research on the use of retinoids inside treatment of aging found that “amongst the retinoids, tretinoin possibly is easily the most potent and certainly the most widely investigated retinoid for photoaging therapy.”
How does tretinoin work?
Tretinoin functions speeding in the cellular turnover in the skin, making skin cells divide and die faster in order that new, healthier cells can replace them. However, to be able to stimulate this procedure, tretinoin must ultimately irritate skin. This is why people often experience uncomfortable side effects when first employing this product.
Most people start noticing a difference of their skin after two to three weeks utilizing the product, however it can take 6 or higher weeks for that full benefit to wear.
Can tretinoin fade skin spots or sunspots?
Some research suggests tretinoin can fade the appearance of dark spots on skin. However, everyone’s skin is different and a topical treatment alone may not be one of the most effective way to fade sun spots in your face or body. This is why it’s important to consult using a dermatologist before starting any sun spot removal treatment so you can get personalised advice around the best approach to your skin.
Likewise, it’s important to have a thorough skin check with a melanographer or dermatologist to confirm perhaps the spots you want to fade are indeed sunspots rather than something more sinister. It can be difficult to recognize the difference between a harmless sunspot along with a potential skin cancer or melanoma so make sure you have your epidermis spots professionally checked before using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids.
What are the side effects of tretinoin?
Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must rely on them properly underneath the guidance of one's dermatologist or doctor — or you may risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or possibly a damaged skin barrier.
Due to its potency, tretinoin can cause some skin irritation when you first begin using it as your skin needs time for you to adjust towards the active ingredients. Some other common negative effects of tretinoin include mild to moderate:
Skin redness or inflammation
Dryness
Peeling or flaking
Itching
However, most people notice a reduction in these unwanted effects after a few weeks of employing the product.
Tretinoin photosensitivity: Why you should be extra careful inside the sun when working with this product
Another complication associated with the utilization of tretinoin is photosensitisation. This means it can make you more sensitive to the sun's rays’s harmful UV rays and you could burn easily when exposed to sunlight.
From a skin cancer prevention perspective, this may be problematic. One of the key risk factors for skin cancer is often a history of sunburn so it’s clear to understand why photosensitivity from tretinoin is concerning. While there is currently no evidence to suggest tretinoin use increases your likelihood of skin cancer, it’s crucial which you take extra precautions with sun protection when utilizing this product.
How to protect your skin from the sun when using tretinoin:
Avoid excessive sun exposure — do not employ this product in the event you work outdoors or spend considerable time out in the sun
Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen every day — even in case you’re only staying indoors as indirect sunlight through windows could damage or burn the skin
Wear sun protective clothing when outdoors
Make regular skin checks part of your epidermiscare routine
At MoleMap, we agree that looking after your skin can be a top priority. But when it comes to the skin health, we encourage that you think beyond skincare products and commence making regular skin cancer checks part of the skin wellness routine too.
By having a professional skin check or mole check every 6 to 1 year, you’ll give yourself the very best chance to catch any suspicious spots or lesions early. Plus, you’ll also enjoy peace of mind which you’re keeping your skin safe — inside and out. Consider scheduling these regular checks at MoleMap Australia Skin Cancer Clinics for expert care and thorough examination.